Speaker: Rob Moon, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
Host: Ellen Bushel, MIMS
About the lecture:
Malaria parasites rely on cycles of cellular invasion and intracellular growth to proliferate within the blood stream, a process which underpins symptoms of the disease. Two major protein families have been studied extensively in P. falciparum (Pf): the erythrocyte binding-like proteins (DBPs/EBAs) and the reticulocyte binding-like proteins (RBLs/RHs). These proteins are hypothesized to have overlapping but critical roles during the invasion process. The adaptation of the zoonotic P. knowlesi (Pk) to culture in human erythrocytes presents exciting opportunities to study erythrocyte invasion biology particularly as they have a smaller repertoire of these proteins, and much larger and polarised invasive stages known as merozoites.
Employing a conditional knockout approach, we've demonstrated distinct roles for the two families at different invasion stages, including a specific role for RBL proteins in the initial identification and deformation of target host erythrocytes. Furthermore, we've unearthed new features that prompt a significant reassessment of the invasion process. These proteins are also major candidates for blood stage vaccines against P. vivax, and we have been able to show that the genetic tools emerging from studies in basic biology of malaria parasite can be readily adapted to optimise vaccines, drug and diagnostics targeting a broader range of malaria parasite species.
Integrated Biomedical Science Seminars is a broad, open seminar series within life science.