A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC TARGET FOR PROTOZOAL DISEASES

摘要

A novel Hemozoin Detoxification Protein (HDP) from Plasmodium and related parasites is provided as a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases caused by the parasites. HDP has been shown to play a critical role in adhesion to, or invasion into, host cells by the parasite. Furthermore, HDP catalyzes the neutralization of heme by the parasite, by promoting its polymerization into hemozoin. This invention provides methods and compositions for therapies based on the administration of protein, DNA or cell-based vaccines and/or antibodies based on HDP, or antigenic epitopes of HDP, either alone or in combination with other parasite antigens. Methods for the development and use of compounds that inhibit .the catalytic activity of HDP, and diagnostic and laboratory methods utilizing HDP are also provided. HDP is also referred to herein as Fasciclin Related Adhesive Protein (FRAP).