Networks of genetic similarity reveal non-neutral processes shape strain structure in Plasmodium falciparum.

ABSTRACT: Pathogens compete for hosts through patterns of cross-protection conferred by immune responses to antigens. In Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the var multigene family encoding for the major blood-stage antigen PfEMP1 has evolved enormous genetic diversity through ectopic recombination and mutation. With 50-60 var genes per genome, it is unclear whether immune selection can act as a dominant force in structuring var repertoires of local populations. The combinatorial complexity of the var system remains beyond the reach of existing strain theory and previous evidence for non-random structure cannot demonstrate immune selection without comparison with neutral models. We develop two neutral models that encompass malaria epidemiology but exclude competitive interactions between parasites. Thes

SUBMITTER: He Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5940794 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature