Plasmodium falciparum liver-stage antigen 5 (LSA-5)

Plasmodium falciparum liver-stage antigen 5 (LSA-5) is a 90 kDa protein expressed during the pre-erythrocytic stage of the malaria parasite's life cycle (Brahimi et al., 2001, PubMed: 11591314). It was identified through the screening of genomic libraries using sera from individuals with naturally acquired immunity, indicating its potential as a protective antigen (Druilhe et al., 2005, PubMed: 15845133). LSA-5 is localized to the liver stage, where it is thought to play a role in parasite development within host hepatocytes. A key feature of LSA-5 is its high degree of sequence conservation across different P. falciparum strains, which reduces the likelihood of immune evasion due to antigenic polymorphism. As a therapeutic target, LSA-5 is utilized in vaccine candidates like LSA5-NRC to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses, specifically targeting the parasite before it enters the bloodstream. Successful targeting of LSA-5 aims to provide sterile immunity, effectively blocking the progression of malaria infection at its earliest stage.

Other names

Liver-stage antigen 5LSA5PfLSA5

Induction of protective humoral and cellular immune responses against the pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum to prevent hepatocyte infection and subsequent bloodstream release.