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Gene Models, Expression Repertoire, and Immune Response of Plasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Proteins
Jenni Hietanen1, Anongruk Chim-Ong1, Thanprakorn Chiramanewong1
1Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
Members of the Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein (PvRBP) family are believed to mediate specific invasion of reticulocytes by P. vivax. In this study, we performed molecular characterization of genes encoding members of this protein family. Through cDNA sequencing, we constructed full-length gene models and verified genes that are protein coding and those that are pseudogenes. We also used quantitative PCR to measure their in vivo transcript abundances in clinical P. vivax isolates. Like genes encoding related invasion ligands of P. falciparum, Pvrbp expression levels vary broadly across different parasite isolates. Through antibody measurements, we found that host immune pressure may be the driving force behind the distinctly high diversity of one of the family members, PvRBP2c. Mild yet significant negative correlation was found between parasitemia and the PvRBP2b antibody level, suggesting that antibodies to the protein may interfere with invasion.
Insights
This study characterizes Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein (PvRBP) genes, revealing variable expression and high diversity in PvRBP2c, potentially driven by host immunity. Antibodies against PvRBP2b may hinder parasite invasion.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding proteins (PvRBPs) are crucial for reticulocyte invasion.
- Understanding PvRBP gene diversity and expression is key to developing malaria control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform molecular characterization of PvRBP genes.
- To investigate the in vivo expression and diversity of PvRBP family members.
- To explore the role of host immune pressure on PvRBP diversity and function.
Main Methods:
- cDNA sequencing for full-length gene model construction.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for in vivo transcript abundance measurement.
- Antibody level measurements to assess host immune response.
Main Results:
- Identified protein-coding genes and pseudogenes within the PvRBP family.
- Demonstrated broad variation in PvRBP gene expression across clinical P. vivax isolates.
- Found evidence that host immune pressure drives the high diversity of PvRBP2c.
- Observed a negative correlation between parasitemia and PvRBP2b antibody levels, suggesting inhibitory effects.
Conclusions:
- PvRBP gene expression is highly variable in clinical P. vivax isolates.
- Host immune pressure significantly influences the diversity of PvRBP2c.
- PvRBP2b antibodies may play a role in reducing parasite invasion, offering a potential target for interventions.
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