DNA VACCINES FOR MALARIA - THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE

The first clinical trial of a DNA vaccine designed to protect against malaria has just commenced. This vaccine has been designed to induce p rotective CD8(+) T cell responses against Plasmodium falciparum infect ed hepatocytes. Herein, we review the rationale behind the development of vaccines that induce protective CD8(+) T cells, the strategy for t he development of a DNA vaccine designed to protect against falciparum malaria, and the experimental data in rodent models and nonhuman prim ates which has provided the foundation for trials of DNA vaccines agai nst P. falciparum malaria in humans.