M. K. Higgins

Development of an improved blood-stage malaria vaccine targeting the essential RH5-CyRPA-RIPR invasion complex

This paper develops a combination malaria vaccine targeting the RCR-complex by fusing epitopes from RIPR to CyRPA, improving in vitro growth inhibition compared to RH5.1 alone.

Molecular mechanism of complement inhibition by the trypanosome receptor ISG65

This paper reveals how the trypanosome receptor ISG65 binds C3b through two sites, acting as a decoy and blocking complement receptors to reduce pathogen clearance.

Rational structure-guided design of a blood stage malaria vaccine immunogen presenting a single epitope from PfRH5

This paper designs a malaria vaccine immunogen using structure-guided methods to present a single epitope from PfRH5, showing improved antibody response in rats compared to PfRH5 alone.

Natural malaria infection elicits rare but potent neutralizing antibodies to the blood-stage antigen RH5

The paper identifies potent neutralizing antibodies against the malaria antigen RH5 from natural infection, showing they target similar epitopes as vaccine-induced antibodies.

Structural basis for IL-33 recognition and its antagonism by the helminth effector protein HpARI

The paper determines the structure of HpARI bound to mouse IL-33, showing how HpARI blocks IL-33 signaling by competing with its receptor ST2.

Structural basis for DARC binding in reticulocyte invasion by Plasmodium vivax

The paper determines the structure of PvDBP-RII bound to sulphated DARC peptide, identifies a critical sulphate interaction, and reveals an epitope for a growth-inhibitory antibody.

Structure of the PfRCR complex which bridges the malaria parasite and erythrocyte during invasion

This paper determines the structure of the PfRCR complex using cryogenic-electron microscopy, revealing its modular architecture and interaction with erythrocyte receptors, which informs vaccine design.

Erythrocyte invasion-neutralising antibodies prevent Plasmodium falciparum RH5 from binding to basigin-containing membrane protein complexes

The paper shows that PfRH5 binds to basigin-containing membrane complexes rather than isolated basigin, and effective antibodies block this interaction to inhibit parasite growth.

Structure of the malaria vaccine candidate Pfs48/45 and its recognition by transmission blocking antibodies

This study determines the structure of Pfs48/45, a malaria vaccine candidate, and identifies antibody binding sites that block parasite transmission.

Structure-guided design of a synthetic mimic of an EPCR-binding PfEMP1 protein

The paper designs a synthetic PfEMP1 mimic using structural data to elicit antibodies against EPCR-binding PfEMP1, showing nanomolar affinity and cross-reactivity.

A single dose of antibody-drug conjugate cures a stage 1 model of African trypanosomiasis.

This paper demonstrates that a single dose of an antibody-drug conjugate targeting the trypanosome receptor HpHbR completely cures a stage 1 mouse model of African trypanosomiasis.