Towards molecular vaccines against parasites

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Abstract
Summary A strategy is outlined for the identification of'host protective antigens' of parasites using batteries of polyspecific sera from clinically and parasitologi-cally denned individuals of the host population. Together with monospecific antibodies and gene cloning techniques, the approach aims to identify, characterize and produce defined antigens that, through active immunization, are necessary or sufficient for expression of host protective immunity on subsequent contact with the parasite population. The availability of a relevant mouse model system greatly increases the rate at which progress is made in the testing of vaccinating efficacy. Advantages and limitations of molecular, defined-antigen vaccines are discussed as are integral components of the strategy such as probes for the analysis and quantitation of parasite population heterogeneity and antigenic variability, identification of principal mechanisms of ‘immune evasion’ utilized by invasive and resident parasites, reliable diagnostic procedures, and predictable antigen delivery systems and adjuvants. Emphasis is placed on the value of combining epidemiological and clinical studies with immunochemical and molecular cloning approaches in achieving the molecular vaccine objective.