Limited cross-reactivity among domains of the Plasmodium falciparum clone 3D7 erythrocyte membrane protein 1 family

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

The var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family is responsible for antigenic variation and sequestration of infected erythrocytes during malaria. We have previously grouped the 60 PfEMP1 variants of P. falciparum clone 3D7 into groups A and B/A (category A) and groups B, B/C, and C (category non-A). Expression of category A molecules is associated with severe malaria, and that of category non-A molecules is associated with uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic infection. Here we assessed cross-reactivity among 60 different recombinant PfEMP1 domains derived from clone 3D7 by using a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a pool of plasma from 63 malaria-exposed Tanzanian individuals. We conclude that naturally acquired antibodies are largely directed toward epitopes varying between different domains with a few, mainly category A, domains sharing cross-reactive antibody epitopes. Identification of groups of serological cross-reacting molecules is pivotal for the development of vaccines based on PfEMP1.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInfection and Immunity
Volume74
Issue number12
Pages (from-to)6778-84
Number of pages6
ISSN0019-9567
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Binding, Competitive; Cross Reactions; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Immunodominant Epitopes; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Protozoan Proteins; Recombinant Proteins

ID: 6765087