The first genetically modified strain of the malaria parasite to be used as a live vaccine against the disease has been created by POF client the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
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In a paper published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, Professor Cowman and colleagues demonstrate that deletion of two particular parasite genes results in an attenuated strain of the malaria parasite. Using mice that carry human liver cell transplants, the strain shows strong defects for infection of the liver. Consequently, the attenuated strain is alive and able to stimulate a protective immune response against the parasite, yet unable to progress past the liver stage to spread to the bloodstream where it can cause disease and death.
Human trials of the vaccine, which will be manufactured at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, will take place at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Maryland.
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