Opsonizing anti N-terminal PvMSP1 antibodies minimize antigenic polymorphism

Background: A dilemma for the development of vaccines is remarkable polymorphism of major candidates that could facilitate the immune evasion. Hence, adequate protection should occur with repertoires of acquired antibodies against antigenic variants of the parasite. In this study, we showed anti N-terminal PvMSP1 antibodies opsonized Plasmodium vivax merozoites in phagocytosis assay reinforcing it as new approaches aiming malaria control. Material and methods: The P. vivax isolates were cultured until schizogony after leukocytes depletion, with maturation beginning over 20-24h. The schizont maturation was well succeed when E64 was added in early schizogony phase, preventing the premature rupture of red blood cells and assuring a full maturation of schizonts. After osmotically rupture of schizonts, homogeneous merozoites were free without damage as shown by immunofluorescence with anti-N-terminal PvMSP1 antibodies. Results: In phagocytosis systems, we observed more opsonized merozoites with anti Nterm-PvMSP1 antibodies than IgG control. Conclusions: The opsonizing role of anti N-terminal PvMSP1 in phagocytosis assays reinforced this protein for new approaches aiming malaria control.