Newly published research has identified antibodies capable of preventing malaria, discovered in the blood of a 9-year-old Tanzanian child with previous exposure to the disease. By sequencing antibodies from the child's blood, researchers identified antibodies that block a critical interaction between the malaria-causing parasite and human blood vessels. Published in PNAS, the study is a collaboration between Rapid Novor, the University of Copenhagen, and the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania.
KITCHENER, ON, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Rapid Novor Inc., the world leader in mass spectrometry (MS)-based antibody sequencing, has published a peer-reviewed research article, in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania, showcasing the use of the REpAb® antibody discovery platform to sequence a broadly inhibitory antibody against malaria-causing parasites. The antibody was isolated from a 9-year-old Tanzanian child with prior malaria exposure.
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, remains a major global health threat, claiming ~600,000 lives annually, mostly young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Severe disease results from infected red blood cells adhering to blood vessels, mediated by parasite proteins called PfEMP1 that bind to the human endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR).
Individuals living in malaria-endemic regions gradually acquire immunity to severe malaria through repeated exposure. This immunity is largely attributed to the development of antibodies that block the critical interaction between PfEMP1 and EPCR.
"There is serological evidence that these types of broadly inhibitory antibodies are common among people living in malaria-endemic areas," said Dr. Thomas Lavstsen, Professor at the University of Copenhagen. "Our findings support the notion that these antibodies are important components of the protective antibody shield in malaria-exposed individuals."
"Isolating and characterizing them helps us better understand the mechanisms of naturally acquired immunity and guide future vaccine development." added Dr. Louise Turner, Senior Scientist at the Centre for Translational Medicine and Parasitology, University of Copenhagen.
The REpAb® polyclonal antibody sequencing platform, developed by Rapid Novor, was employed to sequence circulating antibodies directly from the plasma of the 9-year-old donor. Using high-resolution liquid-chromatography with mass spectrometry, proprietary de novo sequencing algorithms, and cDNA immunoglobulin sequencing, the team successfully sequenced a key inhibitory antibody capable of disrupting the PfEMP1–EPCR interaction.
Structural modeling using cryo-electron microscopy revealed that the sequenced antibody binds to critical amino acid residues at the parasite-host interface, disrupting a crucial step in severe malaria pathogenesis.
"This study is a major milestone for the REpAb® platform," said Dr. Thierry Le Bihan, VP R&D and Principal Scientist of Polyclonal Sequencing at Rapid Novor. "Previous published studies using REpAb focused on plasma analysis from vaccinated individuals. This study demonstrates that we can also discover functionally significant inhibitory antibodies directly from individuals naturally exposed to infection. It offers a powerful approach to decoding natural immunity and informing next-generation malaria vaccine design."
The study showcases REpAb's unique ability to mine the circulating antibody repertoire for rare, protective antibodies, advancing both infectious disease research and therapeutic antibody discovery.
The peer-reviewed paper is available in PNAS: Turner et al., Identification of broadly inhibitory anti-PfEMP1 antibodies 1 by mass spectrometry sequencing of plasma IgG from a malaria-exposed child.
About Rapid Novor
Rapid Novor Inc., is the world's leader in antibody protein sequencing technology. Specializing in the field of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the team has developed the technology to directly sequence antibody proteins without needing access to genomic information. Located at the Kitchener-Waterloo high-tech hub, the company continues to build its technology portfolios based on years of scientific research and inventions. The company's vision is to elevate human health by decoding immunity. For information, please visit http://www.rapidnovor.com. Follow @rapidnovor on X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.
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Mingjie Xie, Rapid Novor, Inc., 1 (855) 899-9990, [email protected], www.rapidnovor.com
SOURCE Rapid Novor, Inc.
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