CMP > Research > Collaborations > Program of Excellence

University of Copenhagen Program of Excellence:

Membrane topology and quaternary structure of key parasite proteins involved in Plasmodium falciparum malaria pathogenesis and immunity

The general objective of this collaboration, which is funded by a five-year grant from University of Copenhagen, is to elucidate the conformation and membrane topology of members of the multi-domain, variant Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 f (PfEMP1) family, as they are presented in their native configuration on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs).

The overall aim of the collaboration is to generate solid scientific evidence that will be useful in the development of malaria vaccines eliciting IE adhesion-blocking PfEMP1-specific antibodies.

The central hypothesis is that reaching this goal will require studies of multi-domain or even full-length constructs.