DNA prime-protein boost immunization in monkeys:: efficacy of a novel construct containing functional domains of Plasmodium cynomolgi CS and TRAP

We report the efficacy of a bimodal immunization regimen that involved priming with naked DNA (multiple doses) followed by a booster with recombinant protein in rhesus monkeys with a chimeric construct containing the N-terminus of thrombospondin-related adhesive protein and the C-terminus of circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium cynomolgi. The vaccinated animals developed high titer antibodies against the chimeric antigen, the two components of the hybrid and the native proteins of sporozoites. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from the vaccinated animals had significant in vitro T cell proliferation activity when stimulated with the recombinant chimeric protein. Furthermore, following challenge with 1000 P. cynomolgi sporozoites, the peak and total parasitemia were significantly lower in vaccinated animals than in the control animals. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Microbiological Societies.