Correction: A conformational epitope in placental malaria vaccine antigen VAR2CSA: What does it teach us?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011370.].

A conformational epitope in placental malaria vaccine antigen VAR2CSA: What does it teach us?

VAR2CSA is the Plasmodium falciparum variant surface antigen that mediates binding of infected erythrocytes to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and their sequestration in intervillous spaces of the placenta, leading to placental malaria (PM). Relatively high polymorphism in VAR2CSA sequences has hindered development of a vaccine that induces broadly neutralizing immunity. Recent research has highlighted that a broadly reactive human monoclonal antibody, called PAM1.4, binds to multiple conserved residues of different subfragments of VAR2CSA, forming a conformational epitope. In this short perspective, we describe evidence that residues located in the interdomain-1 fragment of VAR2CSA within the PAM1.4 binding epitope might be critical to broad reactivity of the antibody. Future investigation into broadly reactive anti-VAR2CSA antibodies may be important for the following: (1) identification of similar conformation epitopes targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies; and (2) understanding different immune evasion mechanisms used by placenta-binding parasites through VAR2CSA polymorphism in critical epitopes.

Profiling the Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1-Specific Immununoglobulin G Response Among Ghanaian Children With Hemoglobin S and C.

Members of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family are important targets for protective immunity. Abnormal display of PfEMP1 on the surfaces of infected erythrocytes (IEs) and reduced cytoadhesion have been demonstrated in hemoglobin (Hb) AS and HbAC, inherited blood disorders associated with protection against severe P. falciparum malaria. We found that Ghanaian children with HbAS had lower levels of immunoglobulin G against several PfEMP1 variants and that this reactivity increased more slowly with age than in their HbAA counterparts. Moreover, children with HbAS have lower total parasite biomass than those with HbAA at comparable peripheral parasitemias, suggesting impaired cytoadhesion of HbAS IEs in vivo and likely explaining the slower acquisition of PfEMP1-specific immunoglobulin G in this group. In contrast, the function of acquired antibodies was comparable among Hb groups and appears to be intact and sufficient to control parasitemia via opsonization and phagocytosis of IEs.

Cryo-EM reveals the conformational epitope of human monoclonal antibody PAM1.4 broadly reacting with polymorphic malarial protein VAR2CSA.

Malaria during pregnancy is a major global health problem caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Severe effects arise from the accumulation of infected erythrocytes in the placenta. Here, erythrocytes infected by late blood-stage parasites adhere to placental chondroitin sulphate A (CS) via VAR2CSA-type P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) adhesion proteins. Immunity to placental malaria is acquired through exposure and mediated through antibodies to VAR2CSA. Through evolution, the VAR2CSA proteins have diversified in sequence to escape immune recognition but retained their overall macromolecular structure to maintain CS binding affinity. This structural conservation may also have allowed development of broadly reactive antibodies to VAR2CSA in immune women. Here we show the negative stain and cryo-EM structure of the only known broadly reactive human monoclonal antibody, PAM1.4, in complex with VAR2CSA. The data shows how PAM1.4's broad VAR2CSA reactivity is achieved through interactions with multiple conserved residues of different sub-domains forming conformational epitope distant from the CS binding site on the VAR2CSA core structure. Thus, while PAM1.4 may represent a class of antibodies mediating placental malaria immunity by inducing phagocytosis or NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, it is likely that broadly CS binding-inhibitory antibodies target other epitopes at the CS binding site. Insights on both types of broadly reactive monoclonal antibodies may aid the development of a vaccine against placental malaria.

Cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria: The role of PfEMP1 in its pathogenesis and immunity, and PfEMP1-based vaccines to prevent it.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium continues to be a major health problem worldwide. The unicellular Plasmodium-parasites have the unique capacity to infect and replicate within host erythrocytes. By expressing variant surface antigens Plasmodium falciparum has evolved to avoid protective immune responses; as a result in endemic areas anti-malaria immunity develops gradually over many years of multiple and repeated infections. We are studying the role of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) expressed by asexual stages of P. falciparum responsible for the pathogenicity of severe malaria. The immunopathology of falciparum malaria has been linked to cyto-adhesion of infected erythrocytes to specific host receptors. A greater appreciation of the PfEMP1 molecules important for the development of protective immunity and immunopathology is a prerequisite for the rational discovery and development of a safe and protective anti-disease malaria vaccine. Here we review the role of ICAM-1 and EPCR receptor adhering falciparum-parasites in the development of severe malaria; we discuss our current research to understand the factors involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and the feasibility of developing a vaccine targeted specifically to prevent this disease.

The Rapid and Spontaneous Postpartum Clearance of Plasmodium falciparum Is Related to Expulsion of the Placenta.

Parasitemia among pregnant women with protective immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria is often dominated by VAR2CSA-positive infected erythrocytes (IEs). VAR2CSA mediates sequestration of IEs in the placenta. We hypothesized that the previously observed spontaneous postpartum clearance of parasitemia in such women is related to the expulsion of the placenta, which removes the sequestration focus of VAR2CSA-positive IEs. We assessed parasitemias and gene transcription before and shortly after delivery in 17 Ghanaian women. The precipitous decline in parasitemia postpartum was accompanied by selective reduction in transcription of the gene encoding VAR2CSA. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the earlier observation.

High burden of asymptomatic malaria and anaemia despite high adherence to malaria control measures: a cross-sectional study among pregnant women across two seasons in a malaria-endemic setting in Ghana.

PURPOSE: Anaemia remains a serious concern among pregnant women, and thus, it is closely monitored from the onset of pregnancy through to delivery to help prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In malaria-endemic settings, continuous low-level carriage of P. falciparum parasites is common and its contribution to maternal anaemia should not be underestimated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of adherence to malaria control measures [number of antenatal clinics (ANC) attended, supervised intake of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP), and use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs)] on asymptomatic malaria and anaemia outcomes among pregnant women on ANC in hospitals in the Central region of Ghana. METHODS: The study was conducted during two seasons; October-November 2020 (dry season, n = 124) and May-June 2021 (rainy season, n = 145). Among the women, there was a high adherence to the control measures for both seasons (ANC ≥ 3 visits; ~ 82.0%, intake of SP; ~ 80.0% and ITNs use; ~ 75.0%). RESULTS: Asymptomatic P. falciparum carriage was high for both seasons (44.4% for the dry season; 46.9% for the rainy season). Correspondingly, the occurrence of anaemia was high for both seasons (57.3% for the dry season; 68.3% for the rainy season) and was strongly predicted by carriage of P. falciparum parasites. Despite the high adherence to ANC protocols, asymptomatic P. falciparum infection was common and contributed to the high burden of maternal anaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the need for improved control measures that can clear asymptomatic/sub-microscopic P. falciparum infection and protect against malaria-induced anaemia among pregnant women attending ANC in malaria endemic-settings.

Binding of human serum proteins to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes and its association with malaria clinical presentation.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is related to the ability of parasite­infected erythrocytes (IEs) to adhere to the vascular endothelium (cytoadhesion/sequestration) or to surrounding uninfected erythrocytes (rosetting). Both processes are mediated by the expression of members of the clonally variant PfEMP1 parasite protein family on the surface of the IEs. Recent evidence obtained with laboratory-adapted clones indicates that P. falciparum can exploit human serum factors, such as IgM and α2-macroglobulin (α2M), to increase the avidity of PfEMP1-mediated binding to erythrocyte receptors, as well as to evade host PfEMP1-specific immune responses. It has remained unclear whether PfEMP1 variants present in field isolates share these characteristics, and whether they are associated with clinical malaria severity. These issues were investigated here. METHODS: Children 1-12 years reporting with P. falciparum malaria to Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana were enrolled in the study. Parasites from children with uncomplicated (UM) and severe malaria (SM) were collected. Binding of α2M and IgM from non-immune individuals to erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum isolates from 34 children (UM and SM) were analysed by flow cytometry. Rosetting in the presence of IgM or α2M was also evaluated. Experimental results were analysed according to the clinical presentation of the patients. RESULTS: Clinical data from 108 children classified as UM (n = 54) and SM cases (n = 54) were analysed. Prostration, severe malaria anaemia, and hyperparasitaemia were the most frequent complications. Three children were diagnosed with cerebral malaria, and one child died. Parasite isolates from UM (n = 14) and SM (n = 20) children were analysed. Most of the field isolates bound non-immune IgM (33/34), whereas the α2M-binding was less common (23/34). Binding of both non-immune IgM and α2M was higher but not significant in IEs from children with SM than from children with UM. In combination, IgM and α2M supported rosette formation at levels similar to that observed in the presence of 10% human serum. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the hypothesis that binding of non-immune IgM and/or α2M to IEs facilitates rosette formation and perhaps contributes to P. falciparum malaria severity.

Acquisition of IgG to ICAM-1-Binding DBLß Domains in the Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 Antigen Family Varies between Groups A, B, and C.

Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) is an important malaria virulence factor. The protein family can be divided into clinically relevant subfamilies. ICAM-1-binding group A PfEMP1 proteins also bind endothelial protein C receptor and have been associated with cerebral malaria in children. IgG to these PfEMP1 proteins is acquired later in life than that to group A PfEMP1 not binding ICAM-1. The kinetics of acquisition of IgG to group B and C PfEMP1 proteins binding ICAM-1 is unclear and was studied here. Gene sequences encoding group B and C PfEMP1 with DBLß domains known to bind ICAM-1 were used to identify additional binders. Levels of IgG specific for DBLß domains from group A, B, and C PfEMP1 binding or not binding ICAM-1 were measured in plasma from Ghanaian children with or without malaria. Seven new ICAM-1-binding DBLß domains from group B and C PfEMP1 were identified. Healthy children had higher levels of IgG specific for ICAM-1-binding DBLß domains from group A than from groups B and C. However, the opposite pattern was found in children with malaria, particularly among young patients. Acquisition of IgG specific for DBLß domains binding ICAM-1 differs between PfEMP1 groups.

Functional Antibodies against Placental Malaria Parasites Are Variant Dependent and Differ by Geographic Region.

During pregnancy, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) accumulate in the intervillous spaces of the placenta by binding to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and elicit inflammatory responses that are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Primigravidae lack immunity to IE that sequester in the placenta and thus are susceptible to placental malaria (PM). Women become resistant to PM over successive pregnancies as antibodies to placental IE are acquired. Here, we assayed plasma collected at delivery from Malian and Tanzanian women of different parities for total antibody levels against recombinant VAR2CSA antigens (FCR3 allele), and for surface reactivity and binding inhibition and opsonizing functional activities against IE using two CSA-binding laboratory isolates (FCR3 and NF54). Overall, antibody reactivity to VAR2CSA recombinant proteins and to CSA-binding IE was higher in multigravidae than in primigravidae. However, plasma from Malian gravid women reacted more strongly with FCR3 whereas Tanzanian plasma preferentially reacted with NF54. Further, acquisition of functional antibodies was variant dependent: binding inhibition of P. falciparum strain NF54 (P < 0.001) but not of the strain FCR3 increased significantly with parity, while only opsonizing activity against FCR3 (P < 0.001) increased significantly with parity. In addition, opsonizing and binding inhibition activities of plasma of multigravidae were significantly correlated in assays of FCR3 (r = 0.4, P = 0.01) but not of NF54 isolates; functional activities did not correlate in plasma from primigravidae. These data suggest that IE surface-expressed epitopes involved in each functional activity differ among P. falciparum strains. Consequently, geographic bias in circulating strains may impact antibody functions. Our study has implications for the development of PM vaccines aiming to achieve broad protection against various parasite strains.

Reliable cell and tissue morphology-based diagnosis of endemic Burkitt lymphoma in resource-constrained settings in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma, which is a common childhood cancer in areas with intense transmission of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Early and accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for successful therapy, but it optimally involves advanced laboratory investigations. These are technologically demanding, expensive, and often difficult to implement in settings where eBL is prevalent. Diagnosis is thus generally based on clinical assessment and morphological examination of tumour biopsies or fine-needle aspirates (FNAs). METHODS: The purpose of the present study was to assess the accuracy of eBL diagnosis at two tertiary hospitals in Ghana. To that end, we studied FNAs from 29 eBL patients and 21 non-eBL lymphoma patients originally diagnosed in 2018. In addition, we examined 111 archival formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsies from Ghanaian patients originally diagnosed as eBL (N = 55) or non-eBL (N = 56) between 2010 and 2017. Availability-based subsets of samples were subjected to haematoxylin-eosin or Giemsa staining, C-MYC immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis of c-myc rearrangements. RESULTS: We found a good correlation between original diagnosis and subsequent retrospective assessment, particularly for FNA samples. However, evidence of intact c-myc genes and normal C-MYC expression in samples from some patients originally diagnosed as eBL indicates that morphological assessment alone can lead to eBL over-diagnosis in our study area. In addition, several FFPE samples could not be assessed retrospectively, due to poor sample quality. Therefore, the simpler FNA method of obtaining tumour material is preferable, particularly when careful processing of biopsy specimens cannot be guaranteed. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the accuracy of eBL diagnostic tools available in Ghana is generally adequate, but could be improved by implementation of additional pathology laboratory investigations. Improved attention to adequate preservation of archival samples is recommended.

Etiology of Placental Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in African Women.

Plasmodium falciparum parasites causing placental malaria express the VAR2CSA type of the clonally variant antigen family erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). This enables evasion of preexisting immunity and results in placental accumulation of infected erythrocytes. We present data on seasonal variation in levels of VAR2CSA-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG specific for a placental malaria-unrelated PfEMP1 protein among Ghanaian women at their first antenatal visit. Our results indicate that placental malaria does not require recent exposure to infected mosquitoes, in contrast to malaria in general. This has implications for the impact of insecticide-treated bed nets on placental malaria incidence and for antenatal care in woman with preexisting immunity.

IgG Responses to the Plasmodium falciparum Antigen VAR2CSA in Colombia Are Restricted to Pregnancy and Are Not Induced by Exposure to Plasmodium vivax.

Clinical immunity to malaria is associated with the acquisition of IgG specific for members of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family of clonally variant antigens on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs). The VAR2CSA subtype of PfEMP1 mediates IE binding in the placenta. VAR2CSA-specific IgG is normally acquired only after exposure to placental parasites. However, it was recently reported that men and children from Colombia often have high levels of functional VAR2CSA-specific IgG. This potentially undermines the current understanding of malaria immunity in pregnant women, and we thus conducted a study to assess further the levels of VAR2CSA-specific IgG in pregnant and nonpregnant Colombians. Plasma IgG against two full-length recombinant PfEMP1 proteins (one of the VAR2CSA type and one not) produced in baculovirus-transfected insect cells was detected frequently among Colombian men, children, and pregnant women with acute or previous malaria exposure. In contrast, IgG reactivity to a homologous full-length VAR2CSA-type protein expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was low and infrequent among the Colombian plasma samples, as was reactivity to both corresponding native PfEMP1 proteins. Moreover, human and rabbit antibodies specific for Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein (PvDBP), a protein with some homology to PfEMP1, did not react with VAR2CSA-type recombinant or native proteins, although the mouse monoclonal and PvDBP-specific antibody 3D10 was weakly reactive with recombinant proteins expressed in baculovirus-transfected insect cells. Our data indicate that the previously reported Colombian IgG reactivity to recombinant VAR2CSA is not malaria specific and that the acquisition of VAR2CSA-specific IgG is restricted to pregnancy, in Colombia and elsewhere.

Natural and Vaccine-Induced Acquisition of Cross-Reactive IgG-Inhibiting ICAM-1-Specific Binding of a Plasmodium falciparum PfEMP1 Subtype Associated Specifically with Cerebral Malaria.

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a potentially deadly outcome of Plasmodium falciparum malaria that is precipitated by sequestration of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in the brain. The adhesion of IEs to brain endothelial cells is mediated by a subtype of parasite-encoded erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) that facilitates dual binding to host intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and endothelial protein receptor C (EPCR). The PfEMP1 subtype is characterized by the presence of a particular motif (DBLß_motif) in the constituent ICAM-1-binding DBLß domain. The rate of natural acquisition of DBLß_motif-specific IgG antibodies and the ability to induce such antibodies by vaccination are unknown, and the aim of this study was to provide such data. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure DBLß-specific IgG in plasma from Ghanaian children with malaria. The ability of human immune plasma and DBLß-specific rat antisera to inhibit the interaction between ICAM-1 and DBLß was assessed using ELISA and in vitro assays of IE adhesion under flow. The acquisition of DBLß_motif-specific IgG coincided with age-specific susceptibility to CM. Broadly cross-reactive antibodies inhibiting the interaction between ICAM-1 and DBLß_motif domains were detectable in immune plasma and in sera of rats immunized with specific DBLß_motif antigens. Importantly, antibodies against the DBLß_motif inhibited ICAM-1-specific in vitro adhesion of erythrocytes infected by four of five P. falciparum isolates from cerebral malaria patients. We conclude that natural exposure to P. falciparum as well as immunization with specific DBLß_motif antigens can induce cross-reactive antibodies that inhibit the interaction between ICAM-1 and a broad range of DBLß_motif domains. These findings raise hope that a vaccine designed specifically to prevent CM is feasible.

Increased Plasmodium chabaudi malaria mortality in mice with nutritional iron deficiency can be reduced by short-term adjunctive iron supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the most widespread nutrient deficiency and an important cause of developmental impairment in children. However, some studies have indicated that iron deficiency can also protect against malaria, which is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in large parts of the world. This has rendered interventions against iron deficiency in malaria-endemic areas controversial. METHODS: The effect of nutritional iron deficiency on the clinical outcome of Plasmodium chabaudi AS infection in A/J mice and the impact of intravenous iron supplementation with ferric carboxymaltose were studied before and after parasite infection. Plasma levels of the iron status markers hepcidin and fibroblast growth factor 23 were measured in animals surviving and succumbing to malaria, and accompanying tissue pathology in the liver and the spleen was assessed. RESULTS: Nutritional iron deficiency was associated with increased mortality from P. chabaudi malaria. This increased mortality could be partially offset by carefully timed, short-duration adjunctive iron supplementation. Moribund animals were characterized by low levels of hepcidin and high levels of fibroblast growth factor 23. All infected mice had extramedullary splenic haematopoiesis, and iron-supplemented mice had visually detectable intracellular iron stores. CONCLUSIONS: Blood transfusions are the only currently available means to correct severe anaemia in children with malaria. The potential of carefully timed, short-duration adjunctive iron supplementation as a safe alternative should be considered.

Malaria causes long-term effects on markers of iron status in children: a critical assessment of existing clinical and epidemiological tools.

BACKGROUND: Most epidemiological studies on the interplay between iron deficiency and malaria risk classify individuals as iron-deficient or iron-replete based on inflammation-dependent iron markers and adjustment for inflammation by using C-reactive protein (CRP) or α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The validity of this approach and the usefulness of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a proposed inflammation-independent iron marker were tested. METHODS: Conventional iron markers and FGF23 were measured in children with acute falciparum malaria and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Children, who were transfused or received iron supplementation in the follow-up period, were excluded, and iron stores were considered to be stable throughout. Ferritin levels 6 weeks after admission were used as a reference for admission iron status and compared with iron markers at different time points. RESULTS: There were long-term perturbations in iron markers during convalescence from acute malaria. None of the tested iron parameters, including FGF23, were independent of inflammation. CRP and AGP normalized faster than ferritin after malaria episodes. CONCLUSION: Malaria may bias epidemiological studies based on inflammation-dependent iron markers. Better markers of iron status during and after inflammation are needed in order to test strategies for iron supplementation in populations at risk of malaria.

α2-Macroglobulin Can Crosslink Multiple Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) Molecules and May Facilitate Adhesion of Parasitized Erythrocytes.

Rosetting, the adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to uninfected erythrocytes, involves clonal variants of the parasite protein P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) and soluble serum factors. While rosetting is a well-known phenotypic marker of parasites associated with severe malaria, the reason for this association remains unclear, as do the molecular details of the interaction between the infected erythrocyte (IE) and the adhering erythrocytes. Here, we identify for the first time a single serum factor, the abundant serum protease inhibitor α2-macroglobulin (α2M), which is both required and sufficient for rosetting mediated by the PfEMP1 protein HB3VAR06 and some other rosette-mediating PfEMP1 proteins. We map the α2M binding site to the C terminal end of HB3VAR06, and demonstrate that α2M can bind at least four HB3VAR06 proteins, plausibly augmenting their combined avidity for host receptors. IgM has previously been identified as a rosette-facilitating soluble factor that acts in a similar way, but it cannot induce rosetting on its own. This is in contrast to α2M and probably due to the more limited cross-linking potential of IgM. Nevertheless, we show that IgM works synergistically with α2M and markedly lowers the concentration of α2M required for rosetting. Finally, HB3VAR06+ IEs share the capacity to bind α2M with subsets of genotypically distinct P. falciparum isolates forming rosettes in vitro and of patient parasite isolates ex vivo. Together, our results are evidence that P. falciparum parasites exploit α2M (and IgM) to expand the repertoire of host receptors available for PfEMP1-mediated IE adhesion, such as the erythrocyte carbohydrate moieties that lead to formation of rosettes. It is likely that this mechanism also affects IE adhesion to receptors on vascular endothelium. The study opens opportunities for broad-ranging immunological interventions targeting the α2M--(and IgM-) binding domains of PfEMP1, which would be independent of the host receptor specificity of clinically important PfEMP1 antigens.

Inhibition of Plasmepsin V activity demonstrates its essential role in protein export, PfEMP1 display, and survival of malaria parasites.

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exports several hundred proteins into the infected erythrocyte that are involved in cellular remodeling and severe virulence. The export mechanism involves the Plasmodium export element (PEXEL), which is a cleavage site for the parasite protease, Plasmepsin V (PMV). The PMV gene is refractory to deletion, suggesting it is essential, but definitive proof is lacking. Here, we generated a PEXEL-mimetic inhibitor that potently blocks the activity of PMV isolated from P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Assessment of PMV activity in P. falciparum revealed PEXEL cleavage occurs cotranslationaly, similar to signal peptidase. Treatment of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes with the inhibitor caused dose-dependent inhibition of PEXEL processing as well as protein export, including impaired display of the major virulence adhesin, PfEMP1, on the erythrocyte surface, and cytoadherence. The inhibitor killed parasites at the trophozoite stage and knockdown of PMV enhanced sensitivity to the inhibitor, while overexpression of PMV increased resistance. This provides the first direct evidence that PMV activity is essential for protein export in Plasmodium spp. and for parasite survival in human erythrocytes and validates PMV as an antimalarial drug target.

Investigating the function of Fc-specific binding of IgM to Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 mediating erythrocyte rosetting.

Acquired protection from Plasmodium falciparum malaria takes years to develop, probably reflecting the ability of the parasites to evade immunity. A recent example of this is the binding of the Fc region of IgM to VAR2CSA-type PfEMP1. This interferes with specific IgG recognition and phagocytosis of opsonized infected erythrocytes (IEs) without compromising the placental IE adhesion mediated by this PfEMP1 type. IgM also binds via Fc to several other PfEMP1 proteins, where it has been proposed to facilitate rosetting (binding of uninfected erythrocytes to a central IE). To further dissect the functional role of Fc -mediated IgM binding to PfEMP1, we studied the PfEMP1 protein HB3VAR06, which mediates rosetting and binds IgM. Binding of IgM to this PfEMP1 involved the Fc domains Cµ3-Cµ4 in IgM and the penultimate DBL domain (DBLζ2) at the C-terminus of HB3VAR06. However, IgM binding did not inhibit specific IgG labelling of HB3VAR06 or shield IgG-opsonized IEs from phagocytosis. Instead, IgM was required for rosetting, and each pentameric IgM molecule could bind two HB3VAR06 molecules. Together, our data indicate that the primary function of Fc -mediated IgM binding in rosetting is not to shield IE from specific IgG recognition and phagocytosis as in VAR2CSA-type PfEMP1. Rather, the function appears to be strengthening of IE-erythrocyte interactions. In conclusion, our study provides new evidence on the molecular details and functional significance of rosetting, a long-recognized marker of parasites that cause severe P. falciparum malaria.