A Gene-Edited Vaccine Against Malaria - Dr. Stefan Kappe

Malaria is a deadly, mosquito-vectored disease in areas of the Developing World. Intensive efforts have resulted in few effective prophylactic or therapeutic practices or products that are without serious limitations. A vaccine against the causative organism would be ideal, but even vaccine strategies have drawbacks. Dr. Stefan Kappe and his team have devised a new vaccine strategy based on attenuation of the plasmodium parasite, using genetic engineering. CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to alter genes associated with life cycle and development, conferring immunological response to a complex set of antigens. Trials suggest good protection and safety from this strategy.