Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein-specific B-cell receptor and antibody (PfCSP-specific BCR/Ab)

The Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP)-specific B-cell receptors and antibodies are the primary mediators of protective immunity against the pre-erythrocytic stage of malaria (Gaudinski et al., 2021; Laurens, 2020). PfCSP is the dominant surface protein on sporozoites, which are the forms of the parasite injected by mosquitoes into the human host. B-cell receptors (BCRs) on naive and memory B cells recognize specific epitopes within the PfCSP—most notably the central NANP repeat region and the N-terminal junction—triggering the production of neutralizing antibodies (Wu et al., 2022; Tan et al., 2021). These antibodies bind to the sporozoite surface, inhibiting its movement through the skin and preventing its entry into liver cells, which is a mandatory step for the parasite's life cycle in humans (Gaudinski et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2022). This target is the focus of the WHO-approved RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines, which aim to elicit high concentrations of these antibodies to provide protection (Laurens, 2020; Datoo et al., 2021). Furthermore, potent monoclonal antibodies like CIS43LS and L9LS are currently in clinical trials for passive immunization, offering a high-level, albeit temporary, shield against infection in endemic areas (Gaudinski et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2022).

Other names

Anti-PfCSP antibodiesCircumsporozoite protein-reactive B-cell receptorsAnti-malarial antibodiesCSP-specific BCRsAnti-CSP IgG

Neutralization of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites by binding to the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), thereby preventing their motility and invasion of human hepatocytes.