Rhea J. Longley

Results To quantify target-specific functional antibodies relevant to protective immunity, we developed a high-throughput bead-based multiplex assay using the Luminex xMAP technology, allowing us to measure FcγR-binding and complement-fixing antibodies to multiple P. vivax antigens simultaneously. P. vivax recombinant antigens were coupled to magnetic microspheres at optimized concentrations.

Abstract Invasion of erythrocytes by members of the Plasmodium genus is an essential step of the parasite lifecycle, orchestrated by numerous host-parasite interactions. In P. falciparum Rh5, with PfCyRPA, PfRipr, PfCSS, and PfPTRAMP, forms the essential PCRCR complex which binds basigin on the erythrocyte surface. Rh5 is restricted to P. falciparum and its close relatives; however, PTRAMP, CSS and Ripr orthologs are present across the Plasmodium genus.

On 18–22 February this year, the seventh Molecular Approaches to Malaria Conference (MAM) was held in Lorne, Australia. A total of 431 delegates were welcomed to the conference by co-chairs Matthew Dixon [University of Melbourne and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)], Denise Doolan (University of Queensland), Michelle Boyle (Burnet Institute), and Chris Tonkin (WEHI), and to the country by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.