Elucidation of Plasmodium knowlesi molecules involved in human endothelial cell adhesion

Transcriptome analysis indicated that one gene encoding Schizont Infected Cell Agglutination variant (SICAvar) protein was transcribed in the binding P. knowlesi parasites significantly more than the non-binding P. knowlesi parasites. The cytoadhesion activity of the identified SICAvar protein to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was confirmed using a transgenic parasite over-expressing this SICAvar protein. Binding assay of a panel of recombinant SICAvar proteins with HUVECs revealed that the binding activity of a fragment possessing 2 CRDs was equivalent to the recombinant protein containing entire extracellular region, suggesting 2 CRDs was responsible for the binding to HUVECs.

Project details

Basic Science

Apr 2018 — Mar 2021

$40,673

Japan