M. K. Higgins

Molecular mechanism of complement inhibition by the trypanosome receptor ISG65

This paper reveals how the trypanosome receptor ISG65 binds C3b through two sites, acting as a decoy and blocking complement receptors to reduce pathogen clearance.

Natural malaria infection elicits rare but potent neutralizing antibodies to the blood-stage antigen RH5

The paper identifies potent neutralizing antibodies against the malaria antigen RH5 from natural infection, showing they target similar epitopes as vaccine-induced antibodies.

Structural basis for IL-33 recognition and its antagonism by the helminth effector protein HpARI

The paper determines the structure of HpARI bound to mouse IL-33, showing how HpARI blocks IL-33 signaling by competing with its receptor ST2.

Structural basis for DARC binding in reticulocyte invasion by Plasmodium vivax

The paper determines the structure of PvDBP-RII bound to sulphated DARC peptide, identifies a critical sulphate interaction, and reveals an epitope for a growth-inhibitory antibody.

Structure of the PfRCR complex which bridges the malaria parasite and erythrocyte during invasion

This paper determines the structure of the PfRCR complex using cryogenic-electron microscopy, revealing its modular architecture and interaction with erythrocyte receptors, which informs vaccine design.

Erythrocyte invasion-neutralising antibodies prevent Plasmodium falciparum RH5 from binding to basigin-containing membrane protein complexes

The paper shows that PfRH5 binds to basigin-containing membrane complexes rather than isolated basigin, and effective antibodies block this interaction to inhibit parasite growth.

Structure of the malaria vaccine candidate Pfs48/45 and its recognition by transmission blocking antibodies

This study determines the structure of Pfs48/45, a malaria vaccine candidate, and identifies antibody binding sites that block parasite transmission.

Structure-guided design of a synthetic mimic of an EPCR-binding PfEMP1 protein

The paper designs a synthetic PfEMP1 mimic using structural data to elicit antibodies against EPCR-binding PfEMP1, showing nanomolar affinity and cross-reactivity.

A single dose of antibody-drug conjugate cures a stage 1 model of African trypanosomiasis.

This paper demonstrates that a single dose of an antibody-drug conjugate targeting the trypanosome receptor HpHbR completely cures a stage 1 mouse model of African trypanosomiasis.