Transmission blocking nanobodies against malaria parasites

• PhD
• Graduate Research Masters
• Honours

Nanobodies are single domain antibodies isolated from camelids or cartilaginous fish. They are the smallest naturally derived antigen-binding fragment and only one-tenth the size of conventional antibodies. Nanobodies are used as therapeutics and research tools due to their small size, high antigen binding affinity, solubility and increased stability across temperature and pH.

This project will involve characterization of nanobodies against malaria proteins to identify antibodies that effectively inhibit parasite fertilisation and subsequent transmission from mosquito to human. We will use a wide range of biochemical, structural and molecular techniques to characterize the mechanism of inhibition. The results from this project identify new potential therapeutics to block transmission.

Dietrich, Biochem J 2022 479 (24): 2529–2546.
Lyons, Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022 8:12:945924

Malaria remains one of the most widespread parasitic diseases in the world. More than 40% of humans are under the risk of contracting this devastating disease caused by six species of Plasmodium parasites, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest.

The Tham lab wants to understand mechanisms of malaria parasite entry and fertilisation by combining molecular parasitology with structural biology approaches and antibody discovery platforms. Our work is focused on developing novel interventions to stop infection and transmission of the malaria parasites.

Dietrich, Biochem J 2022 479 (24): 2529–2546.
Chan, Nat Commun. 2021 12(1):1538.
Gruszczyk, Nature 2018 559(7712):135-139.
Gruszczyk, Science 2018 359(6371):48-55.