Plasmodium falciparum Pfs230 antigen

Pfs230 is a large, cysteine-rich surface protein expressed by the malaria parasite *Plasmodium falciparum* during its sexual stages. It is a leading target for malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) due to its essential role in parasite development within the mosquito vector and subsequent transmission to humans. Antibodies against Pfs230 can block malaria transmission by targeting gametes before fertilization (pre-fertilization target). The most advanced TBV candidates use fragments of the N-terminal region of Pfs230 (notably domain 1), often conjugated to carrier proteins such as EPA (ExoProtein A), which have shown potent complement-dependent functional activity in preclinical models and human trials.

Antibody-mediated complement activation leading to lysis of gametes