Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage antigen 230, domain 1 (Pfs230D1)

Pfs230D1 is the first domain of the *P. falciparum* Pfs230 protein, a large 6-cysteine–rich molecule expressed on the surface of sexual-stage malaria parasites (gametocytes and gametes)[2][5]. Pfs230D1 spans amino acids 542-736 of the full-length protein[4]. Antibodies targeting Pfs230D1 can block malaria parasite transmission to mosquitoes by interfering with gamete fertilization and/or activating complement-mediated lysis of the parasite[5][7]. Pfs230D1 is a leading antigen in the development of next-generation malaria transmission-blocking vaccines, particularly in conjugate formulations with carrier proteins (e.g., Exoprotein A, VLPs) and potent adjuvants (e.g., AS01, Alhydrogel)[2][4][8]. It does not have a direct human homolog or known enzymatic/receptor function but is an immunodominant surface protein essential for fertilization and thus malaria lifecycle progression in the mosquito vector[2][5].

Other names

Pfs230 domain 1Pfs230D1MPfs230

Induces antibodies that prevent fertilization and block parasite transmission to the mosquito vector by complement-dependent lysis or steric inhibition of gamete function[2][3][5][7].