Modelling the effects of combining pre-erythrocytic vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum

Background A high efficacy multi-stage multi-epitope malaria vaccine would be an invaluable weapon in the eradication of malaria. Currently, the best progress in subunit vaccine research has been seen in targeting pre-erythrocytic (PE) stages of the parasite. In phase IIa trials, RTS,S in adjuvant was capable of inducing sterile protection in 50% of individuals [1], and ME-TRAP in a heterologous prime-boost regime saw around 21% efficacy [2]. Here we present a mathematical model investigating the effects of combining these two approaches.