Abstract: The invention is directed to functionalized self-assembling polypeptide nanoparticles, and to methods of using these nanoparticles to vaccinate against malaria. The functionalized SAPN comprises a self-assembling core, and at least one epitope fused to the self-assembling core. The self-assembling core comprises a pentameric coiled-coil domain, a trimeric coiled-coil domain, and a linker. The linker joins the pentameric coiled-coil domain and the trimeric coiled-coil domain. Particular sequences of the epitopes used in the vaccine are from the Plasmodium parasite.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) AMA-1 ectodomain. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant AMA-1 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a protein for use alone, or as part of, a vaccine to prevent malaria.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) LSA-NRC polypeptide. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified polypeptide which is useful as a vaccine and as a diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: In this application is described a method for determining the presence or absence of functional anti-AMA-1 invasion-inhibitory antibodies in a sample. This method can serve as a correlate for immunity of a P. falciparum AMA-1-based vaccine or as a correlate for immunity to P. falciparum by natural exposure if that immunity was induced by invasion inhibitory antibodies against the AMA-1 protein.