Plasmodium falciparum Mei2-like RNA-binding protein (PfMei2) (PfMei2)

The Mei2-like RNA gene (commonly referred to as mei2 or PlasMei2) encodes a conserved RNA-binding protein that serves as a master regulator of developmental transitions in Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria. In Plasmodium falciparum, this protein is essential for the parasite's progression from the liver stage to the symptomatic blood stage of infection. The protein contains characteristic RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and is exclusively expressed during the liver stage of the parasite's life cycle. Deletion of the mei2 gene results in genetically attenuated parasites (GAPs) that undergo late liver-stage growth arrest (LA-GAP). This phenotype is highly valuable for vaccine development, as these "late-arresting" parasites expose the host immune system to a more diverse and abundant set of antigens than early-arresting mutants, potentially inducing more potent and long-lasting protection. The PfΔmei2 (GA2) vaccine candidate has demonstrated safety and high protective efficacy in preclinical and early clinical studies, representing a significant advancement in whole-sporozoite malaria vaccine strategies. Originally identified in fission yeast as a master regulator of meiosis, Mei2-like proteins are conserved across various eukaryotes, including plants and apicomplexan parasites, where they regulate critical life cycle transitions.

Other names

PlasMei2PfMei2Mei2-like proteinMei2-like RNA geneGA2

Targeted gene deletion for live-attenuated vaccine development