Discussion

A fundamental understanding of the nature of the immune response to infection, the target antigens and the most protective effector mechanisms, is essential for rational vaccine design. But the insights gained from this immunological understanding can contribute so much more. Immunology contributes to our understanding of disease pathogenesis, resistance and resilience to infection, and the epidemiology of both infection and disease. In this presentation, I will illustrate the ways in which our gradually increasing understanding of malaria immunology over the last 30 years is now helping to inform not just the design and implementation of vaccines, but also helping to identify new treatment and prevention options and to monitor the progress of malaria control interventions.