Alpha-v–containing integrins are host receptors for the Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite surface protein, TRAP
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Significance Malaria is caused by a parasite that is deposited in the skin through the bite of an infected mosquito. From the skin, parasites navigate through host tissues where they must locate and invade liver cells. We know that a parasite surface protein called TRAP is important for this process, making it a leading vaccine candidate. TRAP is thought to work by specifically binding a defined host cell surface protein, but its identity has remained a long-standing mystery. Our research has identified an integrin—a class of host cell surface proteins—as a TRAP receptor. This finding provides an important piece of the puzzle relating to TRAP function and may help improve the development of an effective malaria vaccine.
Institutions: Wellcome Sanger Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Awards: Optimizing a deployable high efficacy malaria vaccine, The Skin Phase of Malaria Infection, Structure and Function of the Circumsporozoite Protein, Studentship DTG Competition 2011, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute - generic account for deposition of all core- funded research papers., G7983786037, G8442657897
OpenAlex ID: W2797136769