Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Malaria remains a major global health challenge. Currently available vaccines provide only modest and transient protection. In this work, we developed virus like particles (VLPs) based vaccine to target vulnerable epitopes of circumsporozoite protein, a key surface protein of pre-erythrocytic sporozoite stage, across different structural contexts. The immunogenicity of these highly immunogenic vaccines were further enhanced using immune stimulating agents, adjuvants, and the most promising VLP and adjuvant combinations were evaluated in preclinical challenge models to assess efficacy. In parallel, we performed research in an antigen agonistic manner using VLP library immunization that displays different fragments of a target protein to identify regions capable of generating antibodies that recognize the native antigen, providing a framework for epitope-based vaccine design against diverse targets.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Jaya Rajaiya

Second Committee Member

Bryce Chackerian (PI)

Third Committee Member

Mara P Steinkamp

Fourth Committee Member

Julie G In

Fifth Committee Member

Seth M Daly

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