Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Selection of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites for Cytoadhesion to Human Brain Endothelial Cells
10:09

Selection of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites for Cytoadhesion to Human Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: January 3, 2012

19.5K

Cutting Edge: FHR-1 Binding Impairs Factor H-Mediated Complement Evasion by the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium

Timo Reiss1, Thiago F de A Rosa1, Katharina Blaesius1

  • 1Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; and.

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|November 21, 2018
PubMed

Human complement is the first line of defense against invading pathogens, including the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum We previously demonstrated that human complement represents a particular threat for the clinically relevant blood stages of the parasite. To evade complement-mediated destruction, the parasites acquire factor H (FH) via specific receptors. We now report that the FH-related protein FHR-1 competes with FH for binding to the parasites. FHR-1, which is composed of five complement control protein domains with variable homology to FH but lacks C3b regulatory activity, accumulates on the surfaces of intraerythrocytic schizonts and free merozoites. Although binding of FH to schizont-infected RBCs and merozoites is increased in FHR-1-deficient human serum, the addition of recombinant FHR-1 decreases FH binding. The presence of FHR-1 consequently impairs C3b inactivation and parasite viability. We conclude that FHR-1 acts as a protective factor in human immunity by counteracting FH-mediated microbial complement evasion.

More Related Videos

A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting07:27

A Simple Protocol for Platelet-mediated Clumping of Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes in a Resource Poor Setting

Published on: May 16, 2013

19.1K
Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay09:57

Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay

Published on: August 6, 2020

6.9K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment01:17

Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment

Renal dysfunction significantly impairs the renal clearance of drugs, leading to potential complications in drug therapy. Renal failure, which can be caused by various factors, poses a significant challenge in the elimination of drugs from the body.
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
463
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug-Related Factors01:18

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug-Related Factors

Drug binding to proteins is a complex phenomenon influenced by various drug-related factors, each playing a significant role in the interaction between drugs and proteins within the body.
One crucial factor in drug-protein binding is the drug's lipophilicity or its affinity for fat. More lipophilic drugs tend to have higher binding extents. For example, highly lipophilic drugs like cloxacillin exhibit substantial protein binding, with as much as 95% of the drug binding to proteins. In...
485
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors01:29

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors

Protein-drug binding, a pivotal aspect of pharmacokinetics, is subject to considerable variability influenced by an array of patient-related factors. The intricate interplay of age, individual differences, and pathological conditions significantly impact the binding dynamics and subsequent pharmacological effects.
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
324
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Protein-Related Factors01:20

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Protein-Related Factors

Drug binding to proteins is a key aspect of pharmacokinetics and can influence a drug's distribution, absorption, and elimination in the body. Several factors, including the drug's physiochemical properties, protein concentration, disease states, and the number of binding sites on the protein, influence this process.
The physicochemical properties of a drug play a significant role in its ability to bind to proteins. Lipophilic drugs, which dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids, can be...
558
Transcription Factors02:16

Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
82.7K
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug Interactions01:23

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are a critical aspect of pharmacology and can occur when two or more drugs compete for the same binding site. This competition can result in one drug displacing another, altering the effect of the displaced drug. Drug interactions are complex processes that rely heavily on how much of the displacer drug is present and how strongly it can bind to the same sites as the displaced drug.
Displacement interactions can have varying outcomes, ranging from toxicity to virtually...
605