DISSECTING THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF THE MALARIA PARASITE-ERYTHROCYTE TIGHT JUNCTION COMPLEX

Abstract

The parasites that cause malaria disease must invade the human red blood cell to complete their lifecycle. Invasion requires the formation of a complex interface between parasite and red cell called the Tight Junction. However, this structure's molecular makeup is entirely unknown. Our research will use a combination of state-of-the-art microscopy and genetics to define, for the first time, the junction's organization, providing a critical platform for the development of a malaria vaccine.