Molecular parasitology: progress towards the development of vaccines for malaria, filariasis, and schistosomiasis

Abstract

Advances in molecular biology have allowed for the identification of potential vaccine candidates against several parasitic diseases. Antigens from various life stages of Plasmodium and Schistosoma species and filarial worms have been cloned, sequenced and tested as vaccines. Results to date in animal models have been promising. Modest levels of protection against experimental human malaria have been obtained using both sporozoite and blood-stage antigens. However, a greater understanding of the mechanisms which lead to immunity against parasites is required before effective vaccines can be developed.