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Rosette formation by Plasmodium coatneyi-infected erythrocytes of the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)

S Kawai1, S Kano, M Suzuki

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|September 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Japanese macaques infected with Plasmodium coatneyi exhibit spontaneous red blood cell rosettes. These rosettes, involving 88% of infected cells, are mediated by parasite knobs attaching to uninfected erythrocytes.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology
  • Primate Hematology

Background:

  • Plasmodium coatneyi is a simian malaria parasite.
  • Red blood cell (RBC) surface interactions are crucial in malaria pathogenesis.
  • Spontaneous rosette formation is a phenomenon observed in some malaria infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate in vitro spontaneous rosette formation by RBCs from Japanese macaques infected with Plasmodium coatneyi.
  • To characterize the morphology and mechanism of rosette formation.
  • To identify the structures involved in cell adhesion during rosette formation.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro incubation of infected RBCs.
  • Light microscopy for rosette observation.
  • Electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis of cell adhesion.

Main Results:

  • Spontaneous rosette formation occurred after 30 hours of incubation, involving 88% of parasitized RBCs (PRBCs).
  • Rosettes typically consisted of a PRBC surrounded by at least three uninfected erythrocytes.
  • Electron microscopy revealed knob-like structures on PRBCs mediating adhesion to adjacent uninfected erythrocytes.
  • An additional adhesion pattern involved flat and focal electron-dense knobs on PRBC membranes.

Conclusions:

  • Plasmodium coatneyi infection in Japanese macaques induces significant spontaneous rosette formation.
  • Parasite-derived knobs on PRBCs are key mediators of erythrocyte adhesion in these rosettes.
  • Understanding these adhesion mechanisms may offer insights into malaria pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

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