Identification of multiple chondroitin sulfate A (CSA)-binding domains in the var2CSA gene transcribed in CSA-binding parasites.

Gamain, Benoit; Trimnell, Adama R; Scheidig, Christine; Scherf, Artur; Miller, Louis H; Smith, Joseph D · J Infect Dis · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy is a serious complication associated with parasitized erythrocyte (PE) sequestration in the placenta. Recent work suggests that var genes could play an important role in PE binding to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), a primary placental adherence receptor. Here, we confirm that var2CSA is transcriptionally up-regulated in CSA-binding parasites and define CSA-binding domains in var2CSA. The identification of multiple binding domains in var2CSA strengthens the evidence for their involvement in malaria during pregnancy and may have applications for the development of a vaccine against malaria in pregnancy.

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