Inhibitory, opsonic and cytotoxic activities of monoclonal antibodies against asexual erythrocytic stages ofPlasmodium falciparum

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A range of monoclonal antibodies specific for Plasmodium falciparum were tested in vitro for their abilities to inhibit the multiplication of a partially synchronized culture of P. falciparum, to augment the phagocytosis of the parasites by macrophages, and to enhance the killing of parasites by peritoneal cells depleted of adherent cells. Seven of 17 monoclonal antibodies, ranging from culture supernatant fluid and ascitic fluid to purified IgG, showed dose- and time-dependent inhibition of parasite growth in vitro. At a concentration of 0·6 mg/ml, the inhibitory capacity of these monoclonal IgGs was above 94% over a 3-day culture period, much higher than that of the relevant polyclonal IgG. Four of 6 monoclonal antibodies tested augmented the phagocytosis of the parasites by macrophages, which occurred as a result of opsonization of the parasites. Four of 7 monoclonal antibodies examined showed cytotoxic activity on malaria parasites. Peritoneal cells depleted of adherent cells were capable of killing the parasites in the presence of monoclonal antibodies. These results indicate that there may be ‘monofunction’, ‘bifunction’, and ‘multifunction’ types of monoclonal antibodies against P. falciparum. The putative protective antigen of malaria parasites purified by ‘multifunctional monoclonal antibody’ affinity chromatography may have potential interest as a vaccine against the parasite or as an immunodiagnostic reagent for human malaria.