High-Throughput Antibody Profiling Identifies Targets of Protective Immunity against P. falciparum Malaria in Thailand

Malaria poses a significant global health challenge, resulting in approximately 600,000 deaths each year. Individuals living regions with endemic malaria have the potential to develop partial immunity, thanks part presence of anti-plasmodium antibodies. As efforts are made optimize and implement strategies reduce transmission ultimately eliminate disease, it is crucial understand how these interventions impact naturally acquired protective immunity. To shed light on this, our study focused assessing antibody responses carefully curated library P. falciparum recombinant proteins (n = 691) using samples collected from individuals residing low-malaria-transmission region Thailand. We conducted assays AlphaScreen system, high-throughput homogeneous proximity-based bead assay that detects protein interactions. observed out 691 variable surface merozoite stage included library, antibodies 268 antigens significantly correlated absence symptomatic an univariate analysis. Notably, most prominent identified were erythrocyte membrane 1 (PfEMP1) domains. These results align previous research Uganda, suggesting similar like PfEMP1s might play pivotal role determining infection outcomes diverse populations. further understanding, remains critical conduct functional characterization proteins, exploring their as correlates protection or targets for vaccine development.