Novel sporozoite-based ELISpot assay to assess frequency of parasite-specific B cells after vaccination with irradiated sporozoites

Background Whole parasite vaccination is an efficacious strategy to induce sterile immunity and to prevent malaria transmission. Understanding the mechanism and response of immune cells to vaccines plays a critical role in deciphering correlates of protection against infection and disease. Immunoassays, such as ELISpot, are commonly used to assess the immunogenicity of vaccines towards T cells and B cells. To date, these assays only analyse responses to specific antigens since they are based on recombinant parasite-derived proteins or peptides. There is the need for an agnostic approach that allows the evaluation of all sporozoite-associated antigens.