"Researchers in Australia say a particular antibody is far more influential in combating malaria than previously understood – a discovery which they say has major implications for developing an effective vaccine. Antibodies are proteins in the blood produced by the immune system to fight infection. Researchers at the Burnet Institute in Melbourne say the antibody known as IgM was widely thought to play only a cameo role in the immune response to malaria, by activating initially before disappearing when the leading antibody — known as IgG — takes over. But the new research, published in the journal Science Advances, shows IgM acts as a co-lead with IgG to block and clear malaria infection in the blood. “The research team was able to show that IgM can persist for long periods to sustain the fight against malaria,” study senior author, and Burnet Institute Head of Malaria Immunity and Vaccines Laboratory, Professor James Beeson said..."