Finding the sweet spots of inhibition: Understanding the targets of a functional antibody against Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein

► Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP) is a leading vaccine candidate for blood-stage P. vivax malaria. ► Naturally acquired anti-DBP antibodies are associated with protection. ► Polymorphisms in DBP region II (DBPII) may compromise vaccine efficacy. ► A DBPII vaccine needs to focus on an immune response to conserved functional epitopes. ► An ideal vaccine includes a multi-allele, subunit or immunogen devoid of variant epitopes.