An accessible 3D HepG2/C3A liver spheroid model supporting the complete intrahepatocytic lifecycle of Plasmodium falciparum
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Current liver-stage Plasmodium falciparum models are complex, expensive and largely inaccessible, hindering research progress. Here, we show that a 3D liver spheroid model grown from immortalized HepG2/C3A cells supports the complete intrahepatocytic lifecycle of P. falciparum . Our results demonstrate sporozoite infection, development of exoerythrocytic forms and breakthrough infection into erythrocytes. The 3D-grown spheroid hepatocytes are structurally and functionally polarized, displaying enhanced albumin and urea production and increased expression of key metabolic enzymes, mimicking in vivo conditions – relative to 2D cultures. This accessible, reproducible model lowers barriers to malaria research, promoting advancements in fundamental biology and translational research.
Source: Parasitology
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
Funder: Medical Research Council
Awards: Defining the mechanism of action of the 8-aminoquinolines: A pre-requisite to rationally designed safe antimalarials for the elimination era, Translational & Quantitative Skills Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) in Global Health : Industrial CASE Studentships, MICA: Defining the two-step relay mechanism of action of the 8-aminoquinolines: A precondition for optimal combination therapies for relapse malaria
OpenAlex ID: W4411494589