DNA Immunization byPlasmodium falciparumLiver-Stage Antigen 3 Induces Protection againstPlasmodium yoeliiSporozoite Challenge

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Abstract
DNA-based immunization of mice byPlasmodium falciparumliver-stage antigen 3 (PfLSA3), a novel highly conservedP. falciparumpreerythrocytic antigen, was evaluated. Animals developed a dominant Th1 immune response (high gamma interferon T-cell responses and predominance of immunoglobulin G2a) to each of three recombinant proteins spanning the molecule. We have exploited the immunological cross-reactivity of PfLSA3 with its putative homologue on sporozoites of the rodent parasitePlasmodium yoelii, and we show for the first time that responses induced by PfLSA3 in mice significantly protect against a heterologous challenge byP. yoeliisporozoites. These results support a significant effect of DNA-induced immune responses on preerythrocytic stages.