Assessment of functionality of antibodies that associate with protection from clinical malaria using the in vitro P. falciparum growth inhibition assay

Objectives

The main aim of this project is to assess isotype and IgG subclass responses to well defined malaria vaccine candidate antigens, namely the Glutamate Rich Protein (GLURP), in relation to protection from clinical malaria, using a prospective cohort study.

Specific objectives are:

1. to establish in the field the in vitro parasite growth inhibition assays with or without the presence of monocytes, using microscopy and flow-cytometric readouts to assess parasite growth (inhibition)
2. to assess by ELISA antibody responses to GLURP and Merozoite Surface Protein 3 (MSP3) in relation to protection against or susceptibility to clinical malaria correcting for potential confounders such as age, socio-economic status, area of residence in study area, duration of residence in study area
3. to determine the functionality of GLURP specific antibodies in individuals who had malaria and those who did not have malaria during the study period by the in vitro parasite growth inhibition assay with or without the presence of monocytes.