Targeted deletion of SAP1 abolishes the expression of infectivity factors necessary for successful malaria parasite liver infection.

ABSTRACT: Malaria parasite sporozoites prepare for transmission to a mammalian host by upregulation of UIS (Upregulated in Infectious Sporozoites) genes. A number of UIS gene products are essential for the establishment of the intrahepatocytic niche. However, the factors that regulate the expression of genes involved in gain of infectivity for the liver are unknown. Herein, we show that a conserved Plasmodium sporozoite low-complexity asparagine-rich protein, SAP1 (Sporozoite Asparagine-rich Protein 1), has an essential role in malaria parasite liver infection. Targeted deletion of SAP1 in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii generated mutant parasites that traverse and invade hepatocytes normally but cannot initiate liver-stage development in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, immunizations with

SUBMITTER: Aly AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2615191 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature