Shape of Key Malaria Protein Could Help Improve Vaccine Efficacy

Shape of Key Malaria Protein Could Help Improve Vaccine Efficacy

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015

Shape of Key Malaria Protein 

Could Help Improve Vaccine Efficacy

Colorized scanning electron micrograph of red blood cell infected with malaria parasites, which are shown in blue. The infected cell is in the center of the image area. To the left are uninfected cells with a smooth red surface.
Credit: NIAID

Understanding the shape of a key protein that the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum uses to infect humans could aid in the development of a more effective vaccine to guard against the mosquito-borne disease, according to researchers at NIAID.