Plasmodium falciparum antigens (PfAg)

Plasmodium falciparum antigens comprise a vast repertoire of over 5,000 proteins expressed by the deadliest species of human malaria parasite. These antigens are essential for the parasite's survival and virulence, mediating critical processes such as the invasion of hepatocytes and erythrocytes, as well as the sequestration of infected red blood cells in host vasculature to avoid splenic clearance. Major antigenic targets identified for therapeutic intervention include the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), which is the basis for first-generation vaccines, and various merozoite surface proteins (MSPs) and apical membrane antigens (AMAs) involved in blood-stage infection. In addition to being the primary targets for vaccine development and monoclonal antibody therapy, these antigens serve as the foundation for rapid diagnostic tests used globally. However, the high degree of genetic polymorphism and the parasite's ability to undergo antigenic variation present significant hurdles to achieving long-lasting, strain-transcending immunity and consistent diagnostic accuracy.

Other names

Plasmodium falciparum proteinsMalaria parasite antigensP. falciparum surface antigensPf antigens