Book excerpt: Some of the world's leading research scientists in the field have contributed to this new book on malaria vaccine development. The book examines various strategies being pursued against the different stages of the parasite (the sporozoite, asexual erythrocytic stages, and sexual stages). It describes vaccines that combat the parasite directly, vaccines aimed at preventing disease, vaccines based on attenuated parasites, and vaccines based on small, carefully defined synthetic peptides. The book provides a compendium of current approaches, lists of preferred antigens, and the results of vaccine trials to date. Molecular immunology involved with both the natural immune response to parasites and with the constraints on inducing immunity are emphasized throughout the book. Views on how vaccines may be tested and then integrated into malaria control programs are also discussed. Molecular Immunological Considerations in Malaria Vaccine Development will be useful for researchers and students in immunology, parasitology, biotechnology, vaccine design, and tropical and public health.