A Gene-Edited Vaccine Against Malaria - Dr. Stefan Kappe

Malaria is a deadly, mosquito-vectored disease in areas of the Developing World. Intensive efforts have resulted in few effective prophylactic or therapeutic practices or products that are without serious limitations. A vaccine against the causative organism would be ideal, but even vaccine strategies have drawbacks. Dr. Stefan Kappe and his team have devised a new vaccine strategy based on attenuation of the plasmodium parasite, using genetic engineering. CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to alter genes associated with life cycle and development, conferring immunological response to a complex set of antigens. Trials suggest good protection and safety from this strategy.

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Talking Biotech is a weekly podcast that uncovers the stories, ideas and research of people at the frontier of biology and engineering. Each episode explores how science and technology will transform agriculture, protect the environment, and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Interviews are led by Dr. Kevin Folta, a professor of molecular biology and genomics.