Project: Identification and characterisation of novel malarial transmission-blocking antigens
Rogerson Group
How do antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes induce transmission-blocking immunity? Immunity against the sexual stage that underpins transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) directed at parasite molecules expressed in the gametocyte through to ookinete stages are not well understood. Antibodies directed against these molecules are likely to be crucial for transmission blocking immunity. We propose to characterise the sexual stage antibody targets in Plasmodium falciparum, the cause of the most severe form of malaria, and to better understand the properties of antibodies that confer transmission blocking immunity. The goals of this project are to identify previously unidentified antigens and functionally characterise anti-gametocyte antibodies in sera from malaria-infected individuals that mediate transmission-blocking immunity using biochemical and immunological techniques.
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Rogerson Group
2 vacancies
The Rogerson group studies the pathogenesis and immunity of malaria in the human host, using in vitro models and clinical samples from individuals in malaria-affected countries. We study how malaria in the mother affects her placenta, and the growth and development of her baby, and why some children develop life-threatening malaria, while others with similar exposure remain well or develop mild illness. We are collaborating with engineers to develop new diagnostics for malaria and are taking novel approaches to identifying antibody responses that protect pregnant women and young children from malaria, and block malaria transmission to mosquitoes.
Rogerson Group Current Projects
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What do antibodies need to do to protect a woman against pregnancy-malaria?
Honours
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Identification and characterisation of novel malarial transmission-blocking antigens
Master of Biomedical Science, Honours
Research degrees at the Doherty Institute are administered by the University of Melbourne.