Synthesis, Solution Structure and Immune Recognition of an Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Domain from Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein-1
✍ Scribed by Sonya James; Kerstin Moehle; Annabelle Renard; Markus S. Mueller; Denise Vogel; Rinaldo Zurbriggen; Gerd Pluschke; John A. Robinson
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2006
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 373 KB
- Volume
- 7
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1439-4227
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein‐1 19 kDa fragment (MSP‐1~19~) comprises two closely packed EGF‐like domains (EGF=epidermal growth factor), each stabilized by three disulfide bonds. The native conformation of this protein is important for eliciting P. falciparum growth inhibitory antibodies. Here we show that the N‐terminal EGF domain alone can be chemically synthesized and efficiently refolded to a native‐like state, as shown by its solution structure as determined by NMR spectroscopy. In order to study its immunogenicity, the domain was coupled through its N terminus to a phospholipid and incorporated into reconstituted influenza virus‐like particles (virosomes). When used to immunize mice, the peptide‐loaded virosomes elicited potent humoral immune responses that were shown by Western blots and immunofluorescence assays to cross‐react with native MSP‐1 on the surfaces of P. falciparum blood stage parasites. This opens the way for a medicinal chemistry‐oriented approach to the study and optimization of the antigenicity of the protein as a potential malaria vaccine candidate, whilst exploiting the immunopotentiating properties of influenza virosomes as a delivery vehicle.