Evolution of the multi-domain structures of virulence genes in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

ABSTRACT: The var gene family of Plasmodium falciparum encodes the immunodominant variant surface antigens PfEMP1. These highly polymorphic proteins are important virulence factors that mediate cytoadhesion to a variety of host tissues, causing sequestration of parasitized red blood cells in vital organs, including the brain or placenta. Acquisition of variant-specific antibodies correlates with protection against severe malarial infections; however, understanding the relationship between gene expression and infection outcome is complicated by the modular genetic architectures of var genes that encode varying numbers of antigenic domains with differential binding specificities. By analyzing the domain architectures of fully sequenced var gene repertoires we reveal a significant, non-random associati

SUBMITTER: Buckee CO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3325180 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature