Immunological Characterization of Malaria Glutamic Acid-Rich Protein (GARP)
KAISER, MAIMA.
2018
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Abstract: Malaria is
the most predominant parasitic infection and continues to have a significant global
impact on the health and well-being of hundreds of millions of people annually [1].
Plasmodium falciparum Glutamic acid-rich protein(Pf-GARP) is a parasite-derived protein
secreted during the blood stage of malaria. From the studies with field isolates, it
appears that Pf-GARP is very ... read moreimmunogenic, and it is abundant in children from endemic
areas [2, 3]. A key tool for the control, elimination, or even possible eradication of
malaria, in addition to antimalarial drugs and vector control, is an effective
vaccine[4]. My research focuses on the immunological characterization of Pf-GARP. These
studies include the characterization of a new monoclonal antibody for Pf-GARP, mapping
of the epitope of Pf-GARP by utilizing synthetic peptides, and initial localization of
Pf-GARP using the GM7 monoclonal antibody (mAb) by immunofluorescence microscopy.
Finally, to validate the proof of concept of its clinical significance, we developed an
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against Pf-GARP in the
human malaria plasma. Our screens utilized recombinant His-Pf-GARP protein as well as
defined synthetic peptides of Pf-GARP to detect and quantify antibodies in human plasma
from malaria-endemic areas in Africa. In summary, we have characterized a new mAb,
termed GM7, that is specific for Pf-GARP protein and determined a peptide (M1P6) that is
the target of the binding of the antibody (Ab) against the Pf-GARP protein. These
findings are likely to have implications for screening malaria patients that are
seropositive for Pf-GARP, and its functional significance in the pathogenesis of
cerebral and pregnancy-associated malaria.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2018.
Submitted to the Dept. of Pharmacology and Drug Development.
Advisor: Athar Chishti.
Committee: Miguel Stadecker.
Keyword: Pharmacology.read less - ID:
- j3860k059
- Component ID:
- tufts:25418
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
