The Plasmodium vivax MSP1P-19 is involved in binding of reticulocytes through interactions with the membrane proteins

Shenghuan Zuo1, Jiachen Lu1, Yifan Sun2

  • 1Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Clinical Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.

Insights

Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 paralog (PvMSP1P-19) binds reticulocytes. This study identified band3 and CD71 as receptors, crucial for understanding parasite invasion mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Malariology
  • Molecular Parasitology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Plasmodium vivax preferentially invades reticulocytes.
  • The merozoite surface protein 1 paralog (PvMSP1P), specifically the PvMSP1P-19 region, binds reticulocytes.
  • The precise molecular interactions during P. vivax invasion remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanism of PvMSP1P-19 binding to reticulocytes.
  • To identify specific reticulocyte receptors involved in P. vivax invasion.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of PvMSP1P-19 binding to varying reticulocyte concentrations.
  • Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify interacting proteins.
  • Chymotrypsin sensitivity assays.
  • In vitro invasion assays using antibodies and recombinant proteins.

Main Results:

  • PvMSP1P-19 confirmed reticulocyte preference.
  • Band3 and CD71 identified as potential reticulocyte receptors for PvMSP1P-19.
  • PvMSP1P-19 and P. cynomolgi MSP1P-19 bind to the extracellular loop 5 of band3.
  • Antibodies against band3-P5, CD71, and MSP1P-19 inhibited binding.
  • MSP1P-19 proteins inhibited P. falciparum invasion in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • Band3 and CD71 are identified as key reticulocyte receptors for PvMSP1P-19.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for developing strategies against P. vivax malaria.
  • The study elucidates critical steps in the P. vivax invasion pathway.