DIVERSITY IN THE CIRCUMSPOROZOITE PROTEIN OF PLASMODIUM-VIVAX - DOES IT MATTER

Since the gene encoding the malarial circumsporozoite surface protein was characterized a decade ago, the corresponding protein has been con sidered an important vaccine candidate. Victoria Mann, Michael Good an d Allan Saul here discuss molecular variation in the circumsporozoite surface protein of Plasmodium vivax in this context There is still dou bt about the degree and importance of polymorphisms in non-repetitive regions of the molecule. The degree of polymorphisms and data on natur ally occurring protective responses suggest there has been minimal imm unological pressure; the authors contend that antigenic diversity is u nlikely to be a major factor in the use of this antigen as a vaccine f or P. vivax