The merozoite surface protein 1 complex is a platform for binding to human erythrocytes by plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of the most severe form of malaria in humans. The merozoite, an extracellular stage of the parasite lifecycle, invades erythrocytes in which they develop. The most abundant protein on the surface of merozoites is merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), which consists of four processed fragments. Studies indicate that MSP1 interacts with other peripheral merozoite surface proteins to form a large complex. Successful invasion of merozoites into host erythrocytes is dependent on this protein complex; however, the identity of all components and its function remain largely unknown. We have shown that the peripheral merozoite surface proteins MSPDBL1 and MS..