Abstract
Antibodies to the C terminus of the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein, PfMSP-1(19), may inhibit merozoite invasion or block the effects of inhibitory antibodies. Here, using a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and antibody binding to wild-type and mutated recombinant proteins, we show that there are marked variations between individuals in the fine specificity of naturally acquired anti-MSP-1(19) antibodies. Furthermore, although neither the prevalence nor the concentration of total anti-MSP-1(19) antibodies was associated with resistance to malaria in African children, significant associations were observed between antibody fine specificity and subsequent risk of infection and high-density parasitemia during a follow-up period. Thus, the fine specificity of naturally acquired human anti-MSP-1(19) antibodies is crucial in determining their function. Future field studies, including the evaluation of PfMSP-1 vaccine trials, should include assays that explore antibody fine specificity as well as titer.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
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Antibody Specificity
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Antigens, Protozoan / genetics
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Binding, Competitive
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Cohort Studies
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Gambia / epidemiology
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology
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Malaria, Falciparum / immunology*
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Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
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Merozoite Surface Protein 1 / genetics
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Merozoite Surface Protein 1 / immunology*
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Mice
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Mutation
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Parasitemia / epidemiology
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Parasitemia / immunology
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Parasitemia / parasitology
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Plasmodium falciparum / genetics
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Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*
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Protein Subunits / genetics
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Protein Subunits / immunology*
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Protozoan Proteins / genetics
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Protozoan Proteins / immunology*
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Recombinant Proteins / genetics
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Recombinant Proteins / immunology
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Seroepidemiologic Studies
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Uganda / epidemiology
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Protozoan
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Antigens, Protozoan
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Merozoite Surface Protein 1
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Protein Subunits
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Protozoan Proteins
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Recombinant Proteins