학술논문
Plasmodium falciparum Associated with Severe Childhood Malaria Preferentially Expresses PfEMP1 Encoded by Group A var Genes
Document Type
Article
Author
Jensen, Anja T.R.; Magistrado, Pamela; Sharp, Sarah; Joergensen, Louise; Lavstsen, Thomas; Chiucchiuini, Antonella; Salanti, Ali; Vestergaard, Lasse S.; Lusingu, John P.; Hermsen, Rob; Sauerwein, Robert; Christensen, Jesper; Nielsen, Morten A.; Hviid, Lars; Sutherland, Colin; Staalsoe, Trine; Theander, Thor G.
Source
The Journal of Experimental Medicine; May 2004, Vol. 199 Issue: 9 p1179-1190, 12p
Subject
Language
ISSN
00221007; 15409538
Abstract
Parasite-encoded variant surface antigens (VSAs) like the var gene–encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family are responsible for antigenic variation and infected red blood cell (RBC) cytoadhesion in P. falciparum malaria. Parasites causing severe malaria in nonimmune patients tend to express a restricted subset of VSA (VSASM) that differs from VSA associated with uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic infection (VSAUM). We compared var gene transcription in unselected P. falciparum clone 3D7 expressing VSAUM to in vitro–selected sublines expressing VSASM to identify PfEMP1 responsible for the VSASM phenotype. Expression of VSASM was accompanied by up-regulation of Group A var genes. The most prominently up-regulated Group A gene (PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1) was translated into a protein expressed on the infected RBC surface. The proteins encoded by Group A var genes, such as PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1, appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of severe disease and are thus attractive candidates for a vaccine against life-threatening P. falciparum malaria.