Single immunization with genetically attenuated Pf∆mei2 (GA2) parasites by mosquito bite in controlled human malaria infection: a placebo-controlled randomized trial

The current paradigm for malaria vaccine development is shifting towards whole-organism approaches, moving beyond traditional subunit vaccines. This preprint operates within this evolving paradigm by investigating the efficacy of a genetically attenuated whole-parasite vaccine.

This research contributes to the normal science phase of the paradigm shift by exploring the efficacy of a single-dose immunization with genetically attenuated parasites (GA2-MB). The study's findings, demonstrating 90% protective efficacy, provide substantial support for this approach. This adds to the growing body of evidence favoring whole-organism malaria vaccines and contributes to refining the methods and understanding within this evolving paradigm. While the results are promising, they do not present a radical departure from the current trajectory of malaria vaccine research. I was slightly uncertain between Model Drift and Normal Science, as the high efficacy of a single dose is slightly unexpected within the context of multiple dose regimens typically required for other vaccines. However, the work doesn't present evidence that contradicts the core principles of the existing paradigm; it rather refines it. It does not suggest the previous model is inherently flawed but offers an improvement within the existing framework. Therefore, "Normal Science" is deemed as the most appropriate classification.