Plasmodium falciparum antigens inducing protective antibodies

Abstract

The present invention provides a vaccine against malaria containing a polypeptide having an epitope contained within a merozoite surface protein and a method for immunizing against malaria by administering the vaccine.

1 . A vaccine against malaria comprising a long synthetic or recombinant polypeptide comprising epitopes contained within a MSP-3a peptide (SEQ ID NO: 11), a MSP-3b peptide (SEQ ID NO: 12), a MSP-3c peptide (SEQ ID NO: 13) or a MSP-3d peptide (SEQ ID NO: 14) and combinations of said peptides and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The vaccine of  claim 1 , wherein said long synthetic or recombinant peptide further comprises the epitopes contained within SEQ ID NO: 11. 
     
     
         3 . The vaccine of  claim 1 , which is formulated for subcutaneous injection. 
     
     
         4 . A method for immunizing against malaria in an individual or mammal that can contract malaria, comprising administering to the individual or mammal in need of such immunization the vaccine of  claim 1 .