The crystal structure of P. knowlesi DBPalpha DBL domain and its implications for immune evasion

Trends Biochem Sci. 2006 Sep;31(9):487-91. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2006.07.003. Epub 2006 Jul 27.

Abstract

Plasmodium vivax invasion of human erythrocytes requires that the ligand domain of the Duffy-binding protein (DBP) recognize its cognate erythrocyte receptor, making DBP a potential target for therapy. The recently determined crystal structure of the orthologous DBP ligand domain of the closely related simian malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi provides insight into the molecular basis for receptor recognition and raises important questions about the mechanism of immune evasion employed by the malaria parasite.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / chemistry*
  • Binding Sites
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Models, Molecular
  • Plasmodium knowlesi / chemistry*
  • Plasmodium knowlesi / metabolism
  • Plasmodium knowlesi / pathogenicity
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protozoan Proteins / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Duffy antigen binding protein, Plasmodium
  • Ligands
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface