Plasmodium falciparum Vaccine Development - Advances and Challenges

ABSTRACT: An effective vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum would be a valuable tool to reduce the disease burden and it could contribute to elimination of Plasmodium falciparum in some regions of the world, but unfortunately no effective vaccine has been introduced against Plasmodium falciparum into clinical practice. Despite this, researchers working on this problem are hopeful. Optimism that a vaccine can be developed comes from the observation that clinical immunity to malaria can be acquired through natural and experimental infection. This review collates most recent information regarding following aspects of Plasmodium falciparum vaccine: ? Plasmodium falciparum life cycle and potential vaccine targets ? Present status of research on Plasmodium falciparum vaccine -vaccines developed up till now ? Significant challenges in an effective Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine design ? Future strategies for vaccine design.