Extracts from the APHA report on the symposium on malaria immunology and vaccine research

Special evaluation covers the period 6/78-3/81 and is based on the proceedings of an American Public Health Association-sponsored workshop (held 1/14-1/16/81) for A.I.D., AID-supported, and other international health research personnel. Improvement in continuous culture systems, the research priority since 1978 for the 11 AID-supported subprojects, has been largely achieved, at least with respect to P. falciparum. The Critical Path Method is being applied to chart the most time-effective sequence of steps and decisions necessary to develop a viable vaccine. Two new techniques are becoming increasingly important -- genetic engineering, which has already permitted cloning of parasites to insure stability, and the hybridoma technique, adopted by a number of investigators to produce monoclonal antibodies. Further, there have been several apparent research breakthroughs, e.g., the production of effective P. falciparum gametocytes by using an aged culture media incorporating hypoxanthine, and the growth of preerythrocytic stages of P. berghei using human lung cells. In addition, mini-workshops were held to discuss the state of the art in hybridoma technology and genetic engineering; in vitro cultivation systems; monkey models for P. falciparum malaria; and antigen isolation. It is recommended that: (1) characterization and purification of antigenic material be the first priority of future research; (2) experimental design techniques and selection of strains for cloning be standardized; (3) Aotus monkeys be bred in limited quantities; (4) continuous culture methods for species of human malaria other than P. falciparum be developed, with emphasis on P. vivax; (5) present efforts on erythrocytic, sporozite, and exoerythrocytic stage be continued; (6) studies on adjuvants be deferred temporarily; (7) policies for patenting experimental malaria vaccines be devised; (8) cooperation be increased with the World Health Organization; and (9) funding be concentrated in areas most likely to result in the development of a viable malaria vaccine.