Acquisition of IgG to ICAM-1-Binding DBL{beta} Domains in the Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 Antigen Family Varies between Groups A, B, and C [Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular Interactions]
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is an important malaria virulence factor. The protein family can be divided into clinically relevant subfamilies. ICAM-1-binding group A PfEMP1 proteins also bind endothelial protein C receptor and have been associated with cerebral malaria in children. IgG to these PfEMP1 proteins is acquired later in life than that to group A PfEMP1 not binding ICAM-1. The kinetics of acquisition of IgG to group B and C PfEMP1 proteins binding ICAM-1 is unclear and was studied here. Gene sequences encoding group B and C PfEMP1 with DBLβ domains known to bind ICAM-1 were used to identify additional binders. Levels of IgG specific for DBLβ domains from group A, B, and C PfEMP1 binding or not binding ICAM-1 were measured in plasma from Ghanaian children with or without malaria. Seven new ICAM-1-binding DBLβ domains from group B and C PfEMP1 were identified. Healthy children had higher levels of IgG specific for ICAM-1-binding DBLβ domains from group A than from groups B and C. However, the opposite pattern was found in children with malaria, particularly among young patients. Acquisition of IgG specific for DBLβ domains binding ICAM-1 differs between PfEMP1 groups.
Source: Infection and Immunity - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Olsen, R. W., Ecklu-Mensah, G., Bengtsson, A., Ofori, M. F., Kusi, K. A., Koram, K. A., Hviid, L., Adams, Y., Jensen, A. T. R. Tags: Cellular Microbiology: Pathogen-Host Cell Molecular Interactions Source Type: research
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