Burroughs Wellcome Co.

Medical Research Council

Anthony A Holder

Karel Gerrit Odink

Chairat Uthaipibull

Michael J Lockyer

Michael J Blackman

Jasbir S Sandhu

Shabih Syed

Jonathan A Chappel

James Feeney

Robert R Freeman

Berry Birdsall

William Morgan

Valentina Riveros-Moreno

A non-naturally occurring variant of a C-terminal fragment of amerozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) wherein said variant has (i) a reduced affinity, compared with a naturally occurringMSP-1, for at least one first antibody capable of blocking the binding of a second antibody, which second antibody inhibits the proteolytic cleavage ofMSP-1and (ii) substantially the same affinity for at least one third antibody compared with said naturally occurringMSP-1. which third antibody inhibits the proteolytic cleavage ofMSP-1is provided for use in an anti-malarial vaccine.

Malaria vaccine

The present invention relates to the P.195 gene of Plasmodium falciparum and, more specifically, to the cloning of that gene. The invention further relates to a method of producing the P.195 protein using the cloned gene. The invention also relates to a vaccine comprising the P.195 protein and to the use of same in the prophylaxis of malaria.

Cloning of a malarial gene

Protection inducing antigens or parasites of the genus Plasmodium are described. The antigens have an apparent molecular weight of 1.8 to 2.5.times.10.sup.5 and are associated with the membranes of the erythrocytic schizont forms of the parasite. The antigens may be incorporated into vaccines and used for the inducing of immunity into susceptible vetebrate hosts including humans. Methods for the preparation of the antigens are also described.

Protozoal antigen

Growing community of inventors

Biggin Hill, United Kingdom

Anthony A Holder