Fig. 8: A model of how RBL and DBP ligands mediate phased commitment to invasion. | Nature Communications

Fig. 8: A model of how RBL and DBP ligands mediate phased commitment to invasion.

From: Sequential roles for red blood cell binding proteins enable phased commitment to invasion for malaria parasites

Fig. 8

Both in the absence of NBPXa and when host cells lack appropriate RBL receptor(s), Pk merozoites contact a greater number of RBCs overall, increasing their chances of interacting with a suitable RBC. In contrast, DBP null merozoites, or WT parasites contacting Duffy negative host cells, form semi-committed interactions, thereby reducing their chances of contacting a suitable host cell.

Back to article page