Lipid interactions of the malaria antigen merozoite surface protein 2

► MSP2 is a clinically validated candidate for inclusion in a vaccine against malaria. ► We present a detailed structural characterisation of the lipid interactions of MSP2. ► Lipid interactions induce helical structure in the conserved N-terminal region. ► May modulate immune recognition and the immunodominance of the variable region. ► implications of GPI anchoring for properties of malaria antigens.