A Thioredoxin Homologous Protein of Plasmodium falciparum Participates in Erythrocyte Invasion.

ABSTRACT: Invasion of erythrocytes by merozoites is required in the life cycle of malarial parasites. Proteins derived from the invasive merozoites are essential ligands for erythrocyte recognition and penetration. In this study, we report a novel protein that possesses a Trx domain-like structure of the thioredoxin family and is expressed on the surface of merozoites of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum This protein, namely, PfTrx-mero protein, displayed a mutated sequence character at the Trx domain, but with a specific binding activity to human erythrocytes. Specific antibodies to the protein inhibited merozoite invasion into human erythrocytes. Immunization with a homologous protein of Plasmodium berghei strain ANKA also showed significant protection against lethal infection in mice. Th

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6056854 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature