Our Research

a. Identifying Novel Vaccine Antigens for Malaria

Our research focuses on the identification of novel vaccine antigens to develop more effective malaria vaccines. By leveraging wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis, we produce candidate recombinant malaria vaccine antigens from malaria parasite RNA. Our efforts have significantly advanced the discovery of new malaria blood-stage vaccine candidates and the secretome profiles of P. falciparum through immuno-screening approaches.

Key Contributions:

• Successfully expressed, validated, and assayed over 3,000 malaria parasite antigens.
• Evaluated the immunogenicity and vaccine potential of these antigens using serum samples from cohorts in malaria-endemic regions.
• Discovered that a high proportion of recombinant malaria proteins are recognized by antibodies in sera from malaria patients, with serum recognition correlating with protection against clinical malaria.

These findings are crucial because malaria remains a leading cause of death among children in Africa. With only two licensed malaria vaccines—one of which has limited efficacy—there is a pressing need to expand the pipeline of candidate malaria vaccines. Our research aims to develop second-generation vaccines that are more effective and have fewer side effects. Our work contributes to the global fight against malaria by paving the way for the development of more effective vaccine candidates, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of this devastating disease.

b. Addressing the Global Challenge of Plasmodium vivax

Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread human malaria-causing pathogen, putting 2.5 billion people at risk across Africa, South America, Oceania, and Asia. Despite this, efforts to control P. vivax malaria lag significantly behind those targeting P. falciparum, particularly in vaccine development. Currently approvedP. falciparum vaccines do not protect against P. vivax. The World Health Organization’s Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap to 2030 aims for a P. vivax vaccine with 75% efficacy.

Kenya is a crucial location for studying malaria due to the increasing prevalence of P. vivax, traditionally rare in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have shown P. vivax circulating in Turkana County, despite the belief that the Duffy blood group—which confers resistance—is absent in the local population. The presence of P. vivax poses a significant threat to malaria elimination due to its dormant liver stage (hypnozoites), which can relapse and sustain transmission. Moreover, the invasive mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi, recently identified in Kenya, thrives in urban areas and efficiently transmits both P. vivax and P. falciparum. This could drastically worsen malaria transmission.

Key Contributions:

• Participated in genome-wide research efforts to identify novel P. vivax malaria vaccine candidates.
• Employed immune-screening techniques to discover and evaluate potential vaccine candidates.

Our research addresses critical gaps in the knowledge and development of a P. vivax vaccine, contributing to global efforts to control and eventually eradicate P. vivax malaria.

c. Functional Characterization of Candidate Malaria Vaccines

Increasing the Portfolio of Functionally Characterized Candidate Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccines

Our research aims to significantly expand the portfolio of functionally characterized candidate malaria vaccines, with a specific focus on Plasmodium falciparum. This endeavor involves identifying and evaluating new vaccine candidates, enhancing our understanding of their mechanisms of action. By targeting Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly of the malaria parasites, our goal is to contribute to the development of effective vaccines that can reduce the global burden of malaria, particularly in regions most affected by this disease.

Our comprehensive approach includes advanced immunological studies, innovative vaccine design, and collaboration with international research partners to ensure the broad applicability and impact of our findings.

Image showing the intra-erythrocytic stages of malaria parasite:

Key Achievements:

• Genome-Wide Identification: Conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification of several novel blood-stage malaria vaccine candidates of P. falciparum using a functional approach based on malaria genome information.
• Detailed Characterization: Performed detailed characterization of these novel blood-stage vaccine candidates, enhancing our understanding of their potential as effective vaccines.
• Identification of Proteins/Epitopes: Successfully identified proteins and epitopes for further downstream characterization as vaccine molecules.

Our work significantly contributes to the development of new malaria vaccines, offering promising candidates for expedited testing and potential deployment in malaria-endemic regions.