Haplotypes of the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) gene are not associated with severe malaria in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) was recently identified as a key receptor for Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 mediating sequestration of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes in patients suffering from severe malaria. Soluble EPCR (sEPCR) inhibits binding of P. falciparum to EPCR in vitro and increased levels of sEPCR have been associated with the H3 haplotype of the EPCR encoding PROCR gene. It has been hypothesized that elevated sEPCR levels, possibly linked to the PROCR H3 genetic variant, may confer protection against severe forms of malaria. This study determined the frequencies of PROCR haplotypes H1-4 and plasma levels of sEPCR in a Tanzanian study population to investigate a possible association with severe malaria.

Methods

Study p

SUBMITTER: Hansson HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4666078 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature