The pattern of gene amplification of members of the Plasmodium vivax erythrocyte binding-like proteins family across the Amazon rainforest.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Plasmodium vivax malaria, the Duffy Binding Protein (DBP), a key erythrocyte binding-like (EBL) protein, enables invasion of DARC (Duffy Antigen/Receptor for Chemokines) positive reticulocytes. Another EBL member, the erythrocyte binding protein 2 (EBP2, also known as EBP/ DBP2), shares structural features with DBP, suggesting a role in erythrocyte invasion. P. vivax genomes may harbour multiple ebl gene copies, though their functional role is unclear. Considering DBP and EBP2 as key vaccine candidates, this study investigates copy number variation (CNV) in these two ebl genes across Amazonian populations. Furthermore, the relationship between CNV and host DARC genotypes was investigated, as DARC is the best-characterized host receptor associated with susceptibility o

SUBMITTER: Guedes KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12763887 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature