Binding analysis of monkey malaria parasite adhesion molecules and human receptors

Plasmodium knowlesi, a malaria protozoan whose natural host is macaque monkeys, causes vivax malaria in humans, sometimes leading to seriousness and death. Since the intravascular accumulation of Plasmodium parasitic erythrocytes is considered to be involved in the aggravation, the principal investigators proceeded with the analysis of the molecular mechanism in this protozoa, and to date, the phenomenon of adhesion of parasitic erythrocytes to human vascular endothelial cells has occurred. The P. knowlesi adherent molecules involved were identified. Therefore, in this study, in order to elucidate the adhesion mechanism of P. knowlesi parasitic erythrocytes involved in the aggravation of vivax malaria, the receptors of human vascular endothelial cells have been identified to which P. knowlesi adhesion molecules bind, and intermolecularly.

Project details

Basic Science

Apr 2022 — Mar 2025

$36,096

Japan

Plasmodium knowlesi