Limited cross-reactivity among domains of the Plasmodium falciparum clone 3D7 erythrocyte membrane protein 1 family

Infect Immun. 2006 Dec;74(12):6778-84. doi: 10.1128/IAI.01187-06. Epub 2006 Oct 2.

Abstract

The var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family is responsible for antigenic variation and sequestration of infected erythrocytes during malaria. We have previously grouped the 60 PfEMP1 variants of P. falciparum clone 3D7 into groups A and B/A (category A) and groups B, B/C, and C (category non-A). Expression of category A molecules is associated with severe malaria, and that of category non-A molecules is associated with uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic infection. Here we assessed cross-reactivity among 60 different recombinant PfEMP1 domains derived from clone 3D7 by using a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a pool of plasma from 63 malaria-exposed Tanzanian individuals. We conclude that naturally acquired antibodies are largely directed toward epitopes varying between different domains with a few, mainly category A, domains sharing cross-reactive antibody epitopes. Identification of groups of serological cross-reacting molecules is pivotal for the development of vaccines based on PfEMP1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Binding, Competitive
  • Cross Reactions*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / chemistry
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / genetics
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / immunology*
  • Malaria Vaccines / genetics
  • Malaria Vaccines / immunology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / immunology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / prevention & control
  • Plasmodium falciparum / immunology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protozoan Proteins / chemistry
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / immunology*
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Immunodominant Epitopes
  • Malaria Vaccines
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum