Var gene expression and human Plasmodium pathogenesis.
Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for most of the morbidity and mortality associated with malaria and is unique in its ability to sequester in organ postcapillary venules. Specific host-parasite interactions mediate this phenomenon and the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 is the predominant ligand responsible for adhering to host endothelial receptors. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding this protein family, evidence for its role in various pathogenic mechanisms and on insights that have been gained in this area from field studies.
Tembo
Dumizulu
D
Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, PO Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
Montgomery
Jacqui
J
D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000502:physiology*
D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D037521:Virulence Factors; C085731:erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum