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PfEMP1's magical embrace of EPCR
1Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Room 3E-10A, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
Abstract:
Since discovering PfEMP1 virulence proteins in Plasmodium falciparum, malariologists have struggled to reconcile their limitless sequence diversity with their binding to relatively few host receptors. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Lau et al. (2015) explore how diverse PfEMP1s embrace EPCR, promoting parasite survival and killing African children.
Insights
Malaria parasites express diverse PfEMP1 proteins that bind to host receptors like EPCR. This interaction helps the Plasmodium parasite survive and causes severe disease in African children.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Plasmodium falciparum expresses PfEMP1 proteins, crucial for virulence.
- The vast sequence diversity of PfEMP1 contrasts with limited host receptor binding.
- Understanding PfEMP1-receptor interactions is key to malaria control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how diverse PfEMP1 variants bind to the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR).
- To elucidate the mechanism by which PfEMP1-EPCR interaction promotes parasite survival.
- To understand the implications for severe malaria pathogenesis in children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized protein binding assays to study PfEMP1-EPCR interactions.
- Employed genetic and biochemical approaches to analyze the binding interface.
- Correlated binding specificities with clinical data from infected children.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that diverse PfEMP1 proteins can bind to EPCR.
- Identified specific structural features enabling PfEMP1 binding to EPCR.
- Showed a link between EPCR binding and parasite sequestration in severe malaria.
Conclusions:
- PfEMP1's ability to bind EPCR contributes to Plasmodium falciparum virulence.
- EPCR represents a key host receptor exploited by diverse malaria parasites.
- Targeting PfEMP1-EPCR interactions may offer new therapeutic strategies against severe malaria.
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