R. W. Moon

Evaluation of Precision of the Plasmodium knowlesi Growth Inhibition Assay for Plasmodium vivax Duffy-Binding Protein-based Malaria Vaccine Development

This study evaluates the precision of the Plasmodium knowlesi growth inhibition assay for Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein-based malaria vaccine development, finding significant assay-to-assay variation in %GIA and GIA50.

Naturally acquired and Vaccine-induced Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein Inhibit Invasion of Plasmodium knowlesi (PvDBPOR) Transgenic Parasites

This paper evaluates the invasion inhibition of Plasmodium knowlesi transgenic parasites expressing PvDBP by naturally acquired and vaccine-induced human monoclonal antibodies, finding additive and antagonistic effects in combinations.

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.

Sequential roles for red blood cell binding proteins enable phased commitment to invasion for malaria parasites

This study identifies the sequential roles of DBP and NBPXa in P. knowlesi merozoite invasion of human RBCs, revealing a phased commitment mechanism that can be targeted with antibodies.

Gliding motility of Plasmodium merozoites

This study shows Plasmodium merozoites can perform gliding motility, a previously unobserved movement essential for translocation across host cells before invasion.

Use of a highly specific kinase inhibitor for rapid, simple and precise synchronization of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi asexual stage parasites

Modification of an atypical clathrin-independent AP-2 adaptin complex of Plasmodium falciparum reduces susceptibility to artemisinin

This study shows that modifying the AP-2 adaptin complex in Plasmodium falciparum reduces susceptibility to artemisinin, suggesting alternative mechanisms of drug resistance beyond pfkelch13 mutations.

Rapid and iterative genome editing in the zoonotic malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi: New tools for P. vivax research

This study develops CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in Plasmodium knowlesi to generate a transgenic line expressing P. vivax Duffy binding protein, showing its role in host cell tropism and vaccine potential.