Poster Presentation Melbourne Protein Group Student Symposium 2013

Australia Malaria remains a major public health problem causing approximately one million deaths and up to 500 million cases annually. It is caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being responsible for the most severe form of malaria. Vaccination against malaria is considered as the most efficient tool for prevention of malaria and reduction of malaria transmission. Besides identifying the right antigen target, the high cost of vaccination is another challenge in the development of a malaria vaccine. Plants have gained wide acceptance for the cost-effective production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins. Advantages that plants offer include the potential of industrial scale, lower risk of contamination from potential human pathogens, fewer constraints in distribution and potential for oral delivery. A number of proteins have shown promise as components of a subunit vaccine against asexual stage parasites that include P. falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein (PfMSP) 4. It is synthesized at the late ring stage and transported to the parasite surface. In our study, we optimised the production of PfMSP4 in plants using codon optimisation for expression in E. coli, yeast or mammalian cells and subcellular targeting. Characterisation of the recombinant protein indicates that it is the correct size and antigenically similar to native protein. We also found that subcutaneous and oral immunisations of mice using the plant-made PfMSP4 elicited the antigen-specific antibodies. By conducting this study, we aim to add to research supporting plants as a biofactory for the production of a safe, affordable and effective malaria vaccine.