Targeted nanopore sequencing using hybridisation probes reveals immune escape polymorphisms in malaria vaccine candidates
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MALARIA
- Caused by eukaryotic parasites (Plasmodium spp.)
- Transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes
- Major cause, and effect of poverty worldwide
- Increasing resistance to interventions
MALARIA VACCINE DEVELOPMENT
- Only one candidate has passed Phase 2 trials (RTS,S based on Circumsporozoite Protein, CSP)
- Partial and short-lived efficacy in infants after 4 doses
- Evidence of immune escape
PROBLEM:
- Diverse antigens
- Immune escape
- Which polymorphisms?
SOLUTION:
- Discover polymorphisms associated with immune escape
- Targeted sequencing using Nanopore
- Samples from longitudinal cohorts from Papua New Guinea