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Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites
Published on: January 3, 2011
Rapid switching to multiple antigenic and adhesive phenotypes in malaria
D J Roberts1, A G Craig, A R Berendt
1Molecular Parasitology Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
Nature
|June 25, 1992
Summary
Parasitized red blood cells in severe malaria can rapidly change their surface antigens and how they stick to tissues. This antigenic variation, occurring frequently, impacts disease severity and the immune response.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria pathogenesis involves infected erythrocyte adhesion to endothelium and uninfected red cells.
- Surface neoantigens on infected erythrocytes mediate adherence to host receptors and exhibit serological diversity.
- These neoantigens may be targets of the host-protective immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of Plasmodium falciparum parasites to switch antigenic and cytoadherence phenotypes.
- To understand the rate and implications of antigenic variation in infected erythrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Sequential cloning of Plasmodium falciparum by micromanipulation.
- In vitro analysis of antigenic and adhesive phenotype switching in parasite clones.
Main Results:
- Parasitized erythrocyte surface antigens undergo clonal variation in vitro at a rate of 2% per generation, even without immune pressure.
- Antigenic variation is accompanied by concomitant modulations of the adhesive phenotype.
- Parasite clones can switch to various antigenic and adhesive phenotypes, including auto-agglutination of infected erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Rapid antigenic and functional heterogeneity in Plasmodium falciparum has significant implications for malaria pathogenesis.
- The observed variation impacts the development of acquired immunity against malaria.
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