Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules related to the var2csa gene family as well as amino acid sequences encoded by such nucleic acid molecules with respect to their role in mediating adhesion of infected red blood cells to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) in the placenta which is characteristic for the pathogenesis of pregnancy associated malaria (PAM). Accordingly, The invention provides the use compounds that are related to VAR2CSA polypeptides var2csa nucleic acid molecules as medicaments, as well as it provides pharmaceutical compositions, in particular immunological compositions and vaccines, hereunder nucleotide-based vaccines comprising these compounds. In addition, the invention provides the use of the compounds mentioned for the manufacture of compositions, such as immunogenic compositions.