Immunomic approaches for antigen discovery of human parasites

Abstract

Genetics combined with proteomics allows for a better understanding of parasite-host interactions and host immune responses. Immunomics elucidates that antigens are targets of induced or naturally acquired immunity (NAI), a promising solution to the challenge of eradicating human infections. High-throughput protein microarrays enhance rapid antigen discovery for the development of serodiagnostic tests/vaccines. Areas covered: This review systematically analyzes the emergence of protein microarrays as a powerful technology for parasite antigen discovery and subsequently summarizes some of the attributes and disadvantages of these approaches. Major insights on novel/validated serological biomarkers or vaccine candidates against malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are highlighted. We conclude with a brief description of the processes involved in immunomic protein microarrays. Expert commentary: Interesting discoveries have been made using protein microarrays. However, there is a need to evaluate targets that elicit strong immunogenicity and correlates of protective efficacy to aid prioritization and guide further clinical development. The goal of parasitic disease elimination will be best achieved through an integrated strategy that will incorporate and implement the different control components.

Keywords: Immunomics; antigen; human parasite; humoral response; protein microarrays; serological biomarker; vaccine candidate.