[Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum antigen target of defense mechanisms developed by patients immunized against malaria].

We report the identification of a 48 kDa antigen targetted by antibodies which inhibit P. falciparum in vitro growth by cooperation with blood monocytes in an ADCl assay correlated to the naturally acquired protection. This protein is located on the surface of the merozoite stage, and is detectable in all isolates tested.