RESUMEN
Pf113 is a P. falciparum putatively GPI-anchored protein that has been so far localized at the surface of merozoites, suggesting it could interact with RBC surface during merozoite invasion. Previous studies conducted in Papua New Guinea and in Kenya have revealed that this protein is recognized by natural antibodies in individuals living in malaria-endemic areas and is associated with protective immunity in malaria, further supporting the potential of Pf113 for the development of anti-malaria vaccines. However, in Central Africa, no study on the immunogenicity of this protein has been conducted. Here, we report the characterization of the Pf113 immune response in 103 children by Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay (ELISA), using a recombinant form of Pf113 expressed in Escherichia coli, together with the study of the Pf113 polymorphism, after amplification and sequencing of 40 field isolates. Data showed that almost 51% of the studied individuals had positive antibody responses to the recombinant Pf113 protein, and that IgG subclass response was dominated by IgG3 (84%) followed by IgG1 (50%). Surprisingly the prevalence of IgG4 was 92%. In addition, gene analysis in field isolates from this region indicated that Pf113 was not highly polymorphic, in particular regarding high-activity binding peptides (HABPs). Our data reinforce the idea that Pf113 may be considered for inclusion in multicomponent blood-stage vaccines.