ABSTRACT

The malara parasite is antigenically very complex, expressing a multitude of antigens many of which are species-, strain-or stage specific. Although there is some degree of antigenic cross-reactivity between the different species of malaria parasites, parasite neutralizing immune responses appear to be largely species specific. Certain antigenic epitopes or antigens are also shared between sporozoites, preerythrocytic (liver) stages, asexual erythrocytic stages and sexual stages of P. Jalciparwn parasites (Bianco et a!. , 1 988 ; Szarfman et al. , 1988) , but the parasite neutralizing immune responses appear to be directed mainly against stage-specific antigens.