KIU Publications

Malaria remained a major global health challenge, particularly in endemic regions, and continues to contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) was a key biomarker in malaria, playing a critical role in both immune responses and parasite transmission. It emerged as a prominent target in the development of malaria vaccines. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of CSP as a biomarker for malaria vaccine development, focusing on its role in vaccine-induced immunity and its potential for transmission reduction in endemic areas. A thorough review of current literature, vaccine trials, and studies related to CSP, vaccine efficacy, and transmission blocking strategies in endemic regions was conducted. CSP-targeted vaccines, especially the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, have shown promise in inducing protective immunity and reducing transmission. However, challenges such as limited efficacy in high-transmission areas and the need for improved durability of protection remained. CSP-based vaccines were a promising tool in malaria control, but further research is necessary to address current limitations. Future vaccine development should focus on improving vaccine efficacy, particularly in high-transmission areas, and enhancing accessibility and sustainability in endemic regions.