Plasmodium falciparum 11.1 protein (Pf11.1)

Plasmodium falciparum 11.1 (Pf11.1) is a high-molecular-weight, glutamic acid-rich protein expressed during both the pre-erythrocytic (liver) and erythrocytic (blood) stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle (Blisnick et al., 2000, PubMed: 10871134). It is localized within the parasitophorous vacuole and is thought to play a critical role in the rupture of the host cell membrane, facilitating the release of merozoites (Scherf et al., 1990, PubMed: 2110814). As a multi-stage antigen, it is a key component of the PfPEBS (Pre-Erythrocytic and Blood Stage) vaccine strategy, which aims to provide comprehensive immunity against different phases of infection (Druilhe et al., 2005, PubMed: 16214604). Antibodies generated against Pf11.1 have been shown to inhibit parasite growth in vitro, making it a promising target for immunotherapeutic interventions. Despite its potential, the protein's large size and repetitive structure pose significant challenges for recombinant expression and vaccine formulation. Furthermore, the high degree of sequence repetition may contribute to immune evasion through antigenic variation, a common hurdle in malaria vaccine development.

Other names

Pf11.1PfPEBS antigenGlutamic acid-rich protein 11.1P. falciparum 11.1 antigenProtein 11.1

Induction of humoral and cellular immune responses to neutralize the parasite during liver and blood stages, specifically targeting parasite egress and invasion processes.