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Modulation of host cell receptors: a mechanism for the survival of malaria parasites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 1997

M. HOMMEL
M. HOMMEL
Affiliation:
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Molecular Biology and Immunology Division, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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Abstract

Intra-erythrocytic stages of malaria parasites can alter the surface of their host cells and release toxins which induce the production of cytokines, which in turn can up- or down-regulate the expression of adhesion receptors on the surface of microvascular endothelial cells. New adhesion receptors on endothelial cells provide the parasite with increased chances of survival despite an increasing level of host immunity. In order to take advantage of these new opportunities for survival, the parasite itself needs to make best use of its considerable ability to vary its surface antigens and adherent molecules. The paper describes the various players in this survival game and articulates a working hypothesis to explain how it may all fit together.

Keywords

Plasmodium falciparumP. bergheiP. chabaudicytoadherencesequestrationcytokinescerebral malariatumour necrosis factorintercellular adhesion molecule-1microvascular endothelial cellsmalaria toxinspolar lipidsantigenic variationhaemozoinchondroitin-sulphate A
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 115 , Issue 7 , December 1997 , pp. 45 - 54
Copyright
© 1997 Cambridge University Press

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