Pfs48/45 nanobodies block Plasmodium falciparum transmission
- Author(s)
- Lyons, FMT; Chmielewski, J; Gabriela, M; Chan, LJ; Tong, J; Adair, A; Zeglinski, K; Gouil, Q; Dietrich, MH; Tham, WH;
- Details
- Publication Year 2026-01-27,Volume 22,Issue #1,Page e1013884
- Journal Title
- PLOS Pathogens
- Abstract
- Malaria parasite fertilisation occurs within the Anopheles mosquito midgut. Interventions that inhibit parasite fertilisation prevent ongoing transmission and are important for malaria elimination efforts. Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 are two leading transmission-blocking vaccine candidates. Both proteins form a complex on the surface of sexual stage parasites and are essential for male fertility. Here we have identified nanobodies against Pfs48/45 that recognise gametocytes and have strong transmission-reducing activity. The crystal structure of our most potent nanobody in complex with Pfs48/45 reveals it binds a distinct epitope to TB31F, a leading transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody but to similar epitopes as RUPA-44 and RUPA-117. These results demonstrate the potential of nanobodies as a versatile antibody format that can reduce malaria transmission.
- Publisher
- PLOS
- Research Division(s)
- Infection and Global Health; Genetics and Gene Regulation
- PubMed ID
- 41592139
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1013884
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1013884.- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2026-01-29 02:00:44
Last Modified: 2026-01-29 02:01:03