[Campbell Biology P.654] Based on the provided text, what factors complicate the development... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, what factors complicate the development and effectiveness of a malaria vaccine, or what strategies are being considered?

  • A: *Plasmodium* primarily lives inside host cells, evading the immune system.
  • B: *Plasmodium* continually changes its surface proteins, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize it.
  • C: The first licensed malarial vaccine provides complete protection against the disease.
  • D: Targeting the apicoplast is a promising strategy because it has metabolic pathways similar to human cells.
  • E: The apicoplast descended from a cyanobacterium, suggesting different metabolic pathways from humans.

Explanation

The development and effectiveness of malaria vaccines are complicated because Plasmodium lives mainly inside host cells, hidden from the immune system, and it continually changes its surface proteins. While a licensed vaccine exists, it offers only partial protection. A promising strategy involves targeting the apicoplast, a modified plastid that descended from a cyanobacterium, implying it has metabolic pathways different from human cells, which could be exploited for drug development with fewer side effects.