The Anopheles leucine-rich repeat protein APL1C is a pathogen binding factor recognizing Plasmodium ookinetes and sporozoites.

ABSTRACT: Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins are commonly involved in innate immunity of animals and plants, including for pattern recognition of pathogen-derived elicitors. The Anopheles secreted LRR proteins APL1C and LRIM1 are required for malaria ookinete killing in conjunction with the complement-like TEP1 protein. However, the mechanism of parasite immune recognition by the mosquito remains unclear, although it is known that TEP1 lacks inherent binding specificity. Here, we find that APL1C and LRIM1 bind specifically to Plasmodium berghei ookinetes, even after depletion of TEP1 transcript and protein, consistent with a role for the LRR proteins in pathogen recognition. Moreover, APL1C does not bind to ookinetes of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and is not required for killin

SUBMITTER: Zmarlak NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10898737 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature