Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
10:27
Methods to Increase the Sensitivity of High Resolution Melting Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping in Malaria
Published on: November 10, 2015
Selection of genetic variants from Plasmodium clones
S A Dolan1, L H Miller, T E Wellems
1Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Acta Leidensia
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Plasmodium parasites adapt through genetic mutations and programmed gene switching. These adaptive responses, observed in P. knowlesi and P. falciparum, are crucial for understanding malaria parasite biology and developing effective vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Malaria parasite biology
- Plasmodium genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Plasmodium parasites exhibit antigenic variation and altered invasion phenotypes under selective pressures.
- Understanding these adaptive mechanisms is key to combating malaria.
- Two distinct examples of Plasmodium adaptation are reviewed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic mechanisms of Plasmodium adaptation to selection pressures.
- To analyze mutations in P. knowlesi merozoite surface protein following vaccination.
- To investigate invasion switching mechanisms in P. falciparum.
Main Methods:
- Vaccination of rhesus monkeys with P. knowlesi merozoite surface protein followed by infection.
- Selection of P. falciparum parasite lines in neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes.
- Analysis of genetic mutations and invasion phenotype changes.
Main Results:
- Vaccination controlled primary parasitemia in P. knowlesi, but subsequent waves arose from mutated parasite populations.
- P. falciparum lines adapted to invade sialic-acid deficient erythrocytes, exhibiting a switch in invasion rates.
- Mutations in target antigens and programmed gene switching represent key adaptive strategies.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodium adaptation involves both random mutation selection and programmed genetic responses.
- Future malaria vaccine trials must account for antigen evolution and invasion switching.
- Studying these genetic mechanisms enhances understanding of parasite biology and vaccine development.
