Understanding Genetic Diversity and Natural Selection for Vaccine Development
Jim Crocker
16th July, 2024
Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024
Key Findings
- The study analyzed the genetic diversity of malaria parasites in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa
- High genetic diversity was found in key genes of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, complicating vaccine development
- The findings highlight the need for vaccines targeting a wide range of antigenic variants to be effective
References
Main Study
1) Genetic diversity and natural selection analysis of VAR2CSA and vir genes: implication for vaccine development
Published 15th July, 2024
https://doi.org/10.1186/s44342-024-00009-0
Related Studies
2) Comparative genomics of the neglected human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax.
3) A new Plasmodium vivax reference sequence with improved assembly of the subtelomeres reveals an abundance of pir genes.
4) Small variant surface antigens and Plasmodium evasion of immunity.
5) Age-specific patterns of DBLα var diversity can explain why residents of high malaria transmission areas remain susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum blood stage infection throughout life.