Cerebral malaria is associated with differential cytoadherence to brain endothelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes (IE) within the brain microvasculature is a hallmark of cerebral malaria (CM). Using a micro-channel flow adhesion assay with TNF-activated primary human microvascular endothelial cells, we demonstrate that IE isolated from Malawian paediatric CM cases showed increased binding to brain microvascular endothelial cells compared to IE from uncomplicated malaria (UM) cases. Further, UM isolates showed significantly greater adhesion to dermal than to brain microvascular endothelial cells. The major mediator of parasite adhesion is P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1, encoded by var genes. Higher levels of var gene transcripts predicted to bind host endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and ICAM-1 were detected in CM isolates.

SUBMITTER: Dr. Janet Storm 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-87729_2_1551692040_jats | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other