PfEMP1 and var genes – Still of key importance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria pathogenesis and immunity

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

The most severe form of malaria, caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites, continues to be an important cause of human suffering and poverty. The P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family of clonally variant antigens, which mediates the adhesion of infected erythrocytes to the vascular endothelium in various tissues and organs, is a central component of the pathogenesis of the disease and a key target of the acquired immune response to malaria. Much new knowledge has accumulated since we published a systematic overview of the PfEMP1 family almost ten years ago. In this chapter, we therefore aim to summarize research progress since 2015 on the structure, function, regulation etc. of this key protein family of arguably the most important human parasite. Recent insights regarding PfEMP1-specific immune responses and PfEMP1-specific vaccination against malaria, as well as an outlook for the coming years are also covered.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Parasitology
Number of pages51
PublisherAcademic Press
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2024
SeriesAdvances in Parasitology
ISSN0065-308X

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

    Research areas

  • Immunity, Malaria, Pathogenesis, PfEMP1, Plasmodium falciparum, Structure/function, Vaccine, var genes

ID: 388045147