Article
Structural basis for placental malaria mediated by Plasmodium falciparum VAR2CSA.
Nature microbiology - 1 Mar 2021
Ma Rui, Lian Tengfei, Huang Rick, Renn Jonathan P, Petersen Jennifer D, Zimmerberg Joshua, Duffy Patrick E, Tolia Niraj H
Abstract excerpt
Plasmodium falciparum VAR2CSA binds to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) on the surface of the syncytiotrophoblast during placental malaria. This interaction facilitates placental sequestration of malaria parasites resulting in severe health outcomes for both the mother and her offspring. Furthermore, CSA is presented by diverse cancer cells and specific targeting of cells by VAR2CSA may become a viable approach for...
Topics
- Antigens, Protozoan
- Binding Sites
- Chondroitin Sulfates
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Epitopes
- Female
- Genetic Variation
- Humans
- Malaria Vaccines
- Malaria, Falciparum
- Placenta
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic