Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes Demonstrate Dual Specificity for Adhesion to Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate A and Have Distinct Adhesive Properties

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) have been identified as receptors for adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) and appear to be involved in mediating parasite accumulation in the placenta. We demonstrate here that some, but not all, parasite populations can adhere to both receptors, and we identify distinguishing features of adhesion. Adhesion to HA and CSA was greatest among pigmented trophozoite-infected erythrocytes and at physiologic pH and was associated with a lack of rosette formation and little adhesion to CD36 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Adhesion to HA was sensitive to trypsin cleavage of the IE surface, whereas trypsin-resistant ..