IgG subclass antibodies to three variants of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 (PfMSP-119) in an area with unstable malaria transmission in Iran

► Evaluation of IgG isotype antibodies to E/TSG/L, E/KNG/F and Q/KNG/L of PfMSP-119. ► 72% of the Iranian individuals had antibody responses to three PfMSP-119 variants. ► High-avidity IgG and IgG1 (>50%) were found in positive sera to three variants. ► The prevalence and titers of IgG1 antibody responses to variants increased with age. ► Equal immune response to three variants was developed in falciparum malaria patients.