The Plasmodium berghei merozoite protein PbGAC is critically involved in erythrocyte binding during invasion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The invasion of Plasmodium merozoites into host erythrocytes is initiated through specific ligand-receptor interactions. This interaction results in subsequent invasion events, facilitated by the formation of a moving junction via AMA-1 and associated molecular complexes. Previous studies have implicated erythrocyte surface glycosaminoglycans, particularly heparan sulfate proteoglycans, as critical receptor components in this invasion process.

Methods

The binding affinity of the PbGAC protein to heparin and erythrocytes was assessed through western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry techniques, and heparinase II treatment. Mice were immunized with the recombinant PbGAC-His to generate specific polyclonal antibodies for subcellular localization, passive i

SUBMITTER: Gao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12570789 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature