A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine, co-authored by Ragon Institute faculty members Azza Idris, MD, PhD, and Galit Alter, PhD, demonstrates that engineering antibodies to enhance Fc receptor binding can significantly improve their effectiveness against malaria infection. The researchers tested modified versions of human monoclonal antibodies, CIS43LS and L9LS, which target a protein on the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

The study found that certain engineered variants, specifically CIS43LS-DE and CIS43LS-DEAL, provided increased protection against malaria in animal models by boosting the antibodies’ ability to activate immune responses. These modifications enhanced binding to immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, and NK cells, leading to improved parasite clearance. Although Fc receptor binding was not essential for baseline protection, enhancing this interaction proved beneficial for one of the antibodies tested.

This research highlights a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of antibody-based malaria interventions, potentially reducing the dosage required and increasing accessibility in endemic regions.