Genetic diversity of the malaria vaccine candidate PfRIPR in a high transmission region of Senegal

iScience 2026 Open access

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Authors: Megha A Nair, Giselle Geering, Alyssa Agarwal, Rebecca Li, Yujie Qiao, Qin Xiao, Mariama N. Pouye, Laty Gaye Thiam, Aboubacar Ba, Kelly A. Hagadorn, Awa Cisse, Noemi Guerra
+13 more Yome F Tawaldemedhen, Khadidiatou Mangou, Adam J. Moore, Fatoumata Diallo, Seynabou Diouf Sene, Bacary Djilocalisse Sadio, Elizabeth Zhang, Lawrence Shapiro, Saurabh D. Patel, Alassane Mbengue, Ines Vigan-Womas, Zizhang Sheng, Amy Kristine Bei
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.114883
Cited by: 1
References: 31

Abstract

= 89) collected in Kédougou, a high malaria transmission region of Senegal. We identified non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 64/89 (71.9%) of samples. In total, 26 non-synonymous SNPs were identified, including 15 novel SNPs. Sixteen of 26 SNPs could be threaded onto existing PfRIPR crystal structures to predict the effects of SNPs on RIPR stability. Seven of 16 mutations were predicted to destabilize PfRIPR, while two of 16 were predicted to increase the stability of RIPR. Additionally, we identified 3 SNPs (Q737K, T738K, and V840L) in the EGF5-8 domains of PfRIPR where neutralizing antibodies are known to bind.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Malaria Research and Control Mosquito-borne diseases and control Diverse Scientific Research Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
3
Pages
114883–114883
Publication date
3 February 2026
Language
EN