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Balam S, Miura K, Ayadi I, Konaté D, Incandela NC, Agnolon V, Guindo MA, Diakité SA, Olugbile S, Nebie I, Herrera SM, Long C, Kajava AV, Diakité M, Corradin G, Herrera S, Herrera MA. Cross-reactivity of r Pvs48/45, a recombinant Plasmodium vivax protein, with sera from Plasmodium falciparum endemic areas of Africa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588966. [PMID: 38659832 PMCID: PMC11042229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Ps48/45, a Plasmodium gametocyte surface protein, is a promising candidate for malaria transmission-blocking (TB) vaccine. Due to its relevance for a multispecies vaccine, we explored the cross-reactivity and TB activity of a recombinant P. vivax Ps48/45 protein (rPvs48/45) with sera from P. falciparum-exposed African donors. Methods rPvs48/45 was produced in Chinese hamster ovary cell lines and tested by ELISA for its cross-reactivity with sera from Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Mali, and Nigeria - In addition, BALB/c mice were immunized with the rPvs48/45 protein formulated in Montanide ISA-51 and inoculated with a crude extract of P. falciparum NF-54 gametocytes to evaluate the parasite-boosting effect on rPvs48/45 antibody titers. Specific anti-rPvs48/45 IgG purified from African sera was used to evaluate the ex vivo TB activity on P. falciparum, using standard mosquito membrane feeding assays (SMFA). Results rPvs48/45 protein showed cross-reactivity with sera of individuals from all four African countries, in proportions ranging from 94% (Tanzania) to 40% (Nigeria). Also, the level of cross-reactive antibodies varied significantly between countries (p<0.0001), with a higher antibody level in Mali and the lowest in Nigeria. In addition, antibody levels were higher in adults (≥ 17 years) than young children (≤ 5 years) in both Mali and Tanzania, with a higher proportion of responders in adults (90%) than in children (61%) (p<0.0001) in Mali, where male (75%) and female (80%) displayed similar antibody responses. Furthermore, immunization of mice with P. falciparum gametocytes boosted anti-Pvs48/45 antibody responses, recognizing P. falciparum gametocytes in indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Notably, rPvs48/45 affinity-purified African IgG exhibited a TB activity of 61% against P. falciparum in SMFA. Conclusion African sera (exposed only to P. falciparum) cross-recognized the rPvs48/45 protein. This, together with the functional activity of IgG, warrants further studies for the potential development of a P. vivax and P. falciparum cross-protective TB vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidou Balam
- International Center for Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Imen Ayadi
- Immunobiology Department, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Drissa Konaté
- International Center for Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Valentina Agnolon
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland aaaa
| | - Merepen A Guindo
- International Center for Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Seidina A.S. Diakité
- International Center for Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Sope Olugbile
- Immunobiology Department, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Issa Nebie
- Groupe de Recherche Action Santé (GRAS), Burkina Faso, West Africa
| | | | - Carole Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Andrey V. Kajava
- Montpellier Cell Biology Research Center (CRBM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, France
| | - Mahamadou Diakité
- International Center for Excellence in Research (ICER-Mali), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Socrates Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
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Partey FD, Dowuona JNN, Pobee ANA, Walker MR, Aculley B, Prah DA, Ofori MF, Barfod LK. Atypical memory B cell frequency correlates with antibody breadth and function in malaria immune adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4888. [PMID: 38418831 PMCID: PMC10902325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55206-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical immunity to malaria develops slowly after repeated episodes of infection and antibodies are essential in naturally acquired immunity against malaria. However, chronic exposure to malaria has been linked to perturbation in B-cell homeostasis with the accumulation of atypical memory B cells. It is unclear how perturbations in B cell subsets influence antibody breadth, avidity, and function in individuals naturally exposed to malaria. We show that individuals living in high malaria transmission regions in Ghana have higher Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigen-specific antibodies and an increased antibody breadth score but lower antibody avidities relative to low transmission regions. The frequency of circulating atypical memory B cells is positively associated with an individual's antibody breadth. In vitro growth inhibition is independent of the ability to bind to free merozoites but associated with the breadth of antibody reactivity in an individual. Taken together, our data shows that repeated malaria episodes hamper the development of high avid antibodies which is compensated for by an increase in antibody breadth. Our results provide evidence to reinforce the idea that in regions with high malaria prevalence, repeated malaria infections lead to the broadening of antibody diversity and the continued presence of atypical memory B cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Melanie Rose Walker
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Belinda Aculley
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Diana Ahu Prah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Michael Fokuo Ofori
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Lea Klingenberg Barfod
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Odera DO, Tuju J, Mwai K, Nkumama IN, Fürle K, Chege T, Kimathi R, Diehl S, Musasia FK, Rosenkranz M, Njuguna P, Hamaluba M, Kapulu MC, Frank R, Osier FHA, Abdi AI, Chi PC, de Laurent Z, Jao I, Kamuya D, Kamuyu G, Makale J, Murungi L, Musyoki J, Muthui M, Mwacharo J, Kariuki S, Mwanga D, Mwongeli J, Ndungu F, Njue M, Nyangweso G, Kimani D, Ngoi JM, Musembi J, Ngoto O, Otieno E, Ooko M, Shangala J, Wambua J, Mohammed KS, Omuoyo D, Mosobo M, Kibinge N, Kinyanjui S, Bejon P, Lowe B, Marsh K, Marsh V, Abebe Y, Billingsley PF, Sim BKL, Hoffman SL, James ER, Richie TL, Audi A, Olewe F, Oloo J, Ongecha J, Ongas MO, Koskei N, Bull PC, Hodgson SH, Kivisi C, Imwong M, Murphy SC, Ogutu B, Tarning J, Winterberg M, Williams TN. Anti-merozoite antibodies induce natural killer cell effector function and are associated with immunity against malaria. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabn5993. [PMID: 36753561 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn5993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effectors that can be activated via antibody-mediated Fc receptor engagement. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we found that NK cells degranulate and release IFN-γ upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK (Ab-NK) activity was largely strain transcending and enhanced invasion inhibition into erythrocytes. Ab-NK was associated with the successful control of parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in African adults. In an independent cohort study in children, Ab-NK increased with age, was boosted by concurrent P. falciparum infections, and was associated with a lower risk of clinical episodes of malaria. Nine of the 14 vaccine candidates tested induced Ab-NK, including some less well-characterized antigens: P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200. These data highlight an important role of Ab-NK activity in immunity against malaria and provide a potential mechanism for evaluating vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis O Odera
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Irene N Nkumama
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy Chege
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Rinter Kimathi
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stefan Diehl
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fauzia K Musasia
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Micha Rosenkranz
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Njuguna
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mainga Hamaluba
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Roland Frank
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Faith H A Osier
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
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Kyei-Baafour E, Oppong M, Kusi KA, Frempong AF, Aculley B, Arthur FKN, Tiendrebeogo RW, Singh SK, Theisen M, Kweku M, Adu B, Hviid L, Ofori MF. Suitability of IgG responses to multiple Plasmodium falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249936. [PMID: 33886601 PMCID: PMC8062017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of antibody reactivity to appropriate, specific parasite antigens may constitute a sensitive and cost-effective alternative to current tools to monitor malaria transmission across different endemicity settings. This study aimed to determine the suitability of IgG responses to a number of P. falciparum antigens as markers of transmission intensity and pattern. Antibody responses to multiple malaria antigens were determined in 905 participants aged 1–12 years from three districts with low (Keta), medium (Hohoe) and high (Krachi) transmission intensity in the Volta region of Ghana. Blood film microscopy slides and dry blood spots (DBS) were obtained for parasitaemia detection and antibody measurement, respectively. Sera were eluted from DBS and levels of IgG specific for 10 malaria antigens determined by a multiplex assay. Results were compared within and among the districts. Total IgG responses to MSPDBL1, MSPDBLLeucine, MSP2-FC27, RAMA, and PfRh2a and PfRh2b were higher in Krachi than in Hohoe and Keta. Seroprevalence of IgG specific for MSPDBLLeucine, RON4, and PfRh2b were also highest in Krachi. Responses to RALP-1, PfRh2a and PfRh2b were associated with patent but asymptomatic parasitaemia in Keta, while responses to MSPDBL1, MSPDBLLeucine, MSP2-FC27, RAMA, Rh2-2030, and PfRh2b were associated with parasite carriage in Hohoe, but not in Krachi. Using ROC analysis, only PfRh2b was found to predict patent, but asymptomatic, parasitaemia in Keta and Hohoe. Antibody breadth correlated positively with age (r = 0.29, p<0.0001) and parasitaemia (β = 3.91; CI = 1.53 to 6.29), and medium to high transmission (p<0.0001). Our findings suggest differences in malaria-specific antibody responses across the three transmission zones and that PfRh2b has potential as a marker of malaria transmission intensity and pattern. This could have implications for malaria control programs and vaccine trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Kyei-Baafour
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mavis Oppong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abena Fremaah Frempong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Belinda Aculley
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fareed K. N. Arthur
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Regis Wendpayangde Tiendrebeogo
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and at Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susheel K. Singh
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and at Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Theisen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and at Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margaret Kweku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Bright Adu
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and at Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Fokuo Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail:
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In vitro analyses of Artemisia extracts on Plasmodium falciparum suggest a complex antimalarial effect. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0240874. [PMID: 33651845 PMCID: PMC7924776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dried-leaf Artemisia annua L. (DLA) antimalarial therapy was shown effective in prior animal and human studies, but little is known about its mechanism of action. Here IC50s and ring-stage assays (RSAs) were used to compare extracts of A. annua (DLAe) to artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives in their ability to inhibit and kill Plasmodium falciparum strains 3D7, MRA1252, MRA1240, Cam3.11 and Cam3.11rev in vitro. Strains were sorbitol and Percoll synchronized to enrich for ring-stage parasites that were treated with hot water, methanol and dichloromethane extracts of DLA, artemisinin, CoArtem™, and dihydroartemisinin. Extracts of A. afra SEN were also tested. There was a correlation between ART concentration and inhibition of parasite growth. Although at 6 hr drug incubation, the RSAs for Cam3.11rev showed DLA and ART were less effective than high dose CoArtem™, 8 and 24 hr incubations yielded equivalent antiparasitic results. For Cam3.11, drug incubation time had no effect. DLAe was more effective on resistant MRA-1240 than on the sensitive MRA-1252 strain. Because results were not as robust as observed in animal and human studies, a host interaction was suspected, so sera collected from adult and pediatric Kenyan malaria patients was used in RSA inhibition experiments and compared to sera from adults naïve to the disease. The sera from both age groups of malaria patients inhibited parasite growth ≥ 70% after treatment with DLAe and compared to malaria naïve subjects suggesting some host interaction with DLA. The discrepancy between these data and in-vivo reports suggested that DLA’s effects require an interaction with the host to unlock their potential as an antimalarial therapy. Although we showed there are serum-based host effects that can kill up to 95% of parasites in vitro, it remains unclear how or if they play a role in vivo. These results further our understanding of how DLAe works against the malaria parasite in vitro.
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Amlabu E, Ilani P, Opoku G, Nyarko PB, Quansah E, Thiam LG, Anim M, Ayivor-Djanie R, Akuh OA, Mensah-Brown H, Rayner JC, Awandare GA. Molecular Characterization and Immuno-Reactivity Patterns of a Novel Plasmodium falciparum Armadillo-Type Repeat Protein, PfATRP. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:114. [PMID: 32266165 PMCID: PMC7100384 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of the genes in the Plasmodium falciparum genome have not yet been functionally investigated. We used homology-based structural modeling to identify multiple copies of Armadillo repeats within one uncharacterized gene expressed during the intraerythrocytic stages, PF3D7_0410600, subsequently referred to as P. falciparum Armadillo-Type Repeat Protein (PfATRP). Soluble recombinant PfATRP was expressed in a bacterial expression system, purified to apparent homogeneity and the identity of the recombinant PfATRP was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Affinity-purified α-PfATRP rabbit antibodies specifically recognized the recombinant protein. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that α-PfATRP rabbit antibodies reacted with P. falciparum schizonts. Anti-PfATRP antibody exhibited peripheral staining patterns around the merozoites. Given the localization of PfATRP in merozoites, we tested for an egress phenotype during schizont arrest assays and demonstrated that native PfATRP is inaccessible on the surface of merozoites in intact schizonts. Dual immunofluorescence assays with markers for the inner membrane complex (IMC) and microtubules suggest partial colocalization in both asexual and sexual stage parasites. Using the soluble recombinant PfATRP in a screen of plasma samples revealed that malaria-infected children have naturally acquired PfATRP-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Amlabu
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria
| | - Philip Ilani
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Grace Opoku
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Prince B. Nyarko
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Quansah
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laty G. Thiam
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Manfred Anim
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Reuben Ayivor-Djanie
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, SBBS, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ojo-ajogu Akuh
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Henrietta Mensah-Brown
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon A. Awandare
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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