GLURP

GLURP, or Glutamate-Rich Protein, is a protein of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It is expressed during the asexual blood stages and exported to the merozoite surface, where it is exposed to the host immune system. The protein contains a central region rich in glutamate repeats and includes conserved N- and C-terminal segments. The GLURP gene is relatively conserved among parasite isolates, which has contributed to interest in it as a vaccine target.

The precise biological function of GLURP remains not fully understood. It is believed to play a role in merozoite invasion or parasite development, but the evidence does not establish a definitive function. The protein is immunogenic and surface-exposed, which has underpinned its selection for vaccine research.

GLURP has been studied as a candidate antigen for a blood-stage malaria vaccine. Recombinant fragments corresponding to the N-terminal region (GLURP-R0) and the C-terminal region (GLURP-R2) have been evaluated in preclinical and early clinical studies, often in formulations with adjuvants or in combination with other antigens. Immunization can induce parasite-specific antibodies and T-cell responses, and some models show reduced invasion or growth, though human trial results have been variable. As of 2024, no GLURP-based vaccine has been licensed for malaria.