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'2TM proteins': an antigenically diverse superfamily with variable functions and export pathways
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Peerj
|May 18, 2018
Summary
Malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum evades immune responses by exporting variable surface antigens, including the 2TM superfamily. These proteins are crucial for parasite survival and represent potential targets for antimalarial therapies and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular Parasitology
- * Immunology
- * Protein Trafficking
Background:
- * Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, affects millions globally.
- * The parasite's intracellular lifestyle within erythrocytes necessitates protein export for survival and immune evasion.
- * Variable surface antigens, particularly the 2TM superfamily, are key to immune evasion and antigenic diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To compile and comprehend information on the 2TM superfamily of proteins in Plasmodium falciparum.
- * To detail their orthologues, domain architecture, surface topology, functions, and trafficking.
- * To highlight their significance in malaria pathogenesis and as potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- * Review and synthesis of existing literature on 2TM superfamily proteins.
- * Analysis of protein domain architecture and predicted topology.
- * Examination of reported functions and experimental evidence for protein trafficking pathways.
Main Results:
- * The 2TM superfamily includes RIFINs, STEVORs, and P. falciparum Maurer's cleft 2TM proteins.
- * These proteins exhibit diverse functions, including rosetting, altering red blood cell rigidity, immune evasion, and merozoite invasion.
- * While some members have one transmembrane domain, the superfamily is characterized by two transmembrane domains flanking a hypervariable region.
- * Trafficking involves the classical secretory pathway, vesicle packaging, and delivery to Maurer's clefts, with surface delivery mechanisms still under investigation.
Conclusions:
- * The 2TM superfamily plays a critical role in Plasmodium falciparum pathogenesis and immune evasion.
- * RIFINs, in particular, are promising targets for antimalarial therapies and vaccine development due to their surface exposure and role in immune modulation.
- * Further research into the 2TM superfamily is warranted given its importance in malaria biology.