The adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to chondroitin sulfate A is mediated by P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1.
Chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) is an important receptor for the sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum in the placenta, but the parasite ligand involved in adhesion has not previously been identified. Here we report the identification of a var gene transcribed in association with binding to CSA and present evidence that the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 product of the gene is the parasite ligand mediating CSA binding. Description of this gene and the implication of P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 as the parasite ligand paves the way to a more detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of placental infection and potential therapeutic strategies targeting the interaction.
Reeder
J C
JC
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Post Office Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria 3050, Australia. reeder@wehi.edu.au
Cowman
A F
AF
Davern
K M
KM
Beeson
J G
JG
Thompson
J K
JK
Rogerson
S J
SJ
Brown
G V
GV
D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism*; D006224:Cricetinae; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000635:transmission; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010920:Placenta / Q000469:parasitology; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D008024:Ligands; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C085731:erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates