Molecular insights into receptors used by malaria parasites for erythrocyte invasion.
The invasion of erythrocytes by malaria parasites is a multi-step process that requires a series of highly specific molecular interactions. Here, the authors review what has been learned about receptor-ligand interactions that mediate erythrocyte invasion. Parasite proteins involved in these interactions are promising candidates for malaria vaccines. Clear understanding of these interactions is important for the rational design of vaccines that attempt to inhibit invasion and prevent malaria.
Chitnis
C E
CE
Malaria Research Group, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India. cchitnis@icgeb.res.in
D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D001665:Binding Sites; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000469:parasitology; D020066:Merozoite Surface Protein 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000254:growth & development; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C066001:Duffy antigen binding protein, Plasmodium; D020066:Merozoite Surface Protein 1; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface