Today, there are two vaccines against malaria (the second was approved only at the end of 2023), which block the infection of liver cells by malaria parasites and are aimed at creating long-term immunity. Meanwhile, their effectiveness does not exceed 75% and requires repeated vaccinations. A new solution to the urgent problem belongs to scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who have developed a scheme for vaccinating people through the bites of GMO mosquitoes, writes Nature.
The insects are infected with modified versions of the parasite that ensure the production of antibodies. Scientists have ensured that the pathogen remains in the body for no more than six days - this is a critical period after which it begins to multiply in liver cells.
In a pilot study, the vaccine was tested on 10 volunteers. They were first “injected” with 50 mosquitoes, and three weeks later exposed to regular mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The vaccine was 89% effective.
Scientists have not registered any side effects other than a slight itch at the site of the bite. Now they plan to conduct larger studies that should confirm the safety and effectiveness of the new strategy for humans. If successful, it will become a simple and affordable way for many people at risk to protect themselves from malaria.
According to statistics, about 600 thousand people die from malaria in Africa every year. Recently, scientists presented another experimental mRNA vaccine that stops the liver from being infected and completely blocks the spread of the infection.