An in vivo humanized model to study homing and sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum transmission stages in the bone marrow

• DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1161669
• Publication Date: 2023-04-19T05:08:43Z
• Authors: Samantha Donsante; Giulia Siciliano; Mariagrazia Ciardo; Biagio Palmisano; Valeria Messina; Valeria de Turris; Giorgia Farinacci; Marta Serafini; Francesco Silvest...; Alessandro Corsi; Mara Riminucci; Pietro Alano
• Keywords: Homing (biology); Humanized mouse

Recent evidence suggests that the bone marrow (BM) plays a key role in diffusion of P. falciparum malaria by providing "niche" for maturation parasite gametocytes, responsible human-to-mosquito transmission. Suitable humanized vivo models to study mechanisms interplay between and human BM components are still missing. We report novel experimental system based on infusion immature gametocytes into immunocompromised mice carrying chimeric ectopic ossicles whose stromal compartments derive from osteoprogenitor cells. demonstrate home within minutes reach extravascular regions, where they retained contact with different cell types. Our model represents powerful tool function essential transmission can be extended other infections which role.