Plasmodium falciparum
Fungal and Parasitic InfectionsKinetic and Cross-Sectional Studies on the Genesis of Hypoargininemia in Severe Pediatric Plasmodium falciparum MalariaThe low bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and its precursor, arginine, contributes to the microvascular pathophysiology of severe falciparum malaria. To better characterize the mechanisms underlying hypoargininemia in severe malaria, we measured the plasma concentrations of amino acids involved in de novo arginine synthesis in children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria (UM; n = 61), children with cerebral...
Microbial Immunity and VaccinesModerately Neutralizing Epitopes in Nonfunctional Regions Dominate the Antibody Response to Plasmodium falciparum EBA-140Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte-binding antigen 140 (EBA-140) plays a role in tight junction formation during parasite invasion of red blood cells and is a potential vaccine candidate for malaria. Individuals in areas where malaria is endemic possess EBA-140-specific antibodies, and individuals with high antibody titers to this protein have a lower rate of...
Fungal and Parasitic InfectionsMosquito Bite-Induced Controlled Human Malaria Infection with Plasmodium vivax or P. falciparum Generates Immune Responses to Homologous and Heterologous Preerythrocytic and Erythrocytic AntigensSeroepidemiological studies on the prevalence of antibodies to malaria antigens are primarily conducted on individuals from regions of endemicity. It is therefore difficult to accurately correlate the antibody responses to the timing and number of prior malaria infections.
Fungal and Parasitic InfectionsPlasmodium falciparum Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Interacts with a Subunit of the Parasite ProteasomeMalaria is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium, which undergoes a complex life cycle in a human host and a mosquito vector. The parasite’s cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is essential at multiple steps of the life cycle.
- Host Response and InflammationAssociation of Antibodies to VAR2CSA and Merozoite Antigens with Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Living in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Plasmodium falciparum infections are serious in pregnant women, because VAR2CSA allows parasitized erythrocytes to sequester in the placenta, causing placental malaria (PM). In areas of endemicity, women have substantial malarial immunity prior to pregnancy, including antibodies to merozoite antigens, but produce antibodies to VAR2CSA only during pregnancy.
... - Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular InteractionsPlasmodium falciparum MSP3 Exists in a Complex on the Merozoite Surface and Generates Antibody Response during Natural Infection
Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) is an abundantly expressed secreted merozoite surface protein and a leading malaria vaccine candidate antigen. However, it is unclear how MSP3 is retained on the surface of merozoites without a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor or a transmembrane domain.
- Fungal and Parasitic InfectionsIgG Responses to the Plasmodium falciparum Antigen VAR2CSA in Colombia Are Restricted to Pregnancy and Are Not Induced by Exposure to Plasmodium vivax
Clinical immunity to malaria is associated with the acquisition of IgG specific for members of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family of clonally variant antigens on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs). The VAR2CSA subtype of PfEMP1 mediates IE binding in the placenta.
- Microbial Immunity and Vaccines | SpotlightThe Complement System Contributes to Functional Antibody-Mediated Responses Induced by Immunization with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Sporozoites