1
Q
What merozoite organelles are important in pathogenesis?
A
Apical-prominent organelles:
- Microneme: gliding motility, invasion, adhesion.
- Rhoptries: invasion, adhesion, formation of the parasitophorous vacuole.
2
Q
What protein mediates endothelial binding in schizont-trophozoite stage RBCs? What receptors causes iRBC sequestration?
A
PfEMP1
This is encoded by the var gene family and contains variable numbers of 5 types of DBL domain, and 1-2 cysteine-rich CIDR domains. Numerous var genes appear in the parasite population.
Receptors:
- Var2CSA sequesters iRBC in the placenta
- ICAM-1 sequester iRBC in the brain
- CD36 sequesters to microvasculature
