PfEMP1 expression is reduced on the surface of knoblessPlasmodium falciparuminfected erythrocytes

• DOI: 10.1242/jcs.02381
• Publication Date: 2005-05-28T21:13:14Z
• Authors: Paul Horrocks; Robert A. Pinches; Srabasti J. Chakr...; Janni Papakrivos; Zóe Christodoulou; Susan A. Kyes; Britta C. Urban; David J. P. Ferguson; Chris I. Newbold
• Keywords: Virulence factor

The Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is a key virulence factor for this species of human malarial parasite. PfEMP1 expressed on the surface infected erythrocytes (IEs) and directly mediates adhesion to variety host cells. A number other parasite-encoded proteins are similarly exported IE plasma play an indirect role in process through modification cytoskeleton formation electron dense knobs into which anchored. Analysis specific contribution knob-associated difficult due rapid switching during vitro culture. Furthermore, these studies typically assume that level distribution exposed knobby (K(+)) knobless (K(-)) IEs unaltered, assumption not yet supported with data. We describe here preparation characterisation panel isogenic K(+) K(-) parasite clones express one two defined variants. cytoadhesive properties shows both static flow reduced all and, further, correlates approximately 50% reduction displayed surface. However, despite reduction, gross appears unaltered. These data impact our current interpretation mechanism trafficking