Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1- DBLα domain variants with respect to antigenic variations and docking interaction analysis with glycosaminoglycans

Background The variant surface antigen PfEMP1 (Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1) encoded by the polymorphic multi-copy var gene family plays an important role in parasite biology and the host-parasite interactions. Sequestration and antigenic variation is an essential component in the survival and pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum and contributes to chronic infection . The DBLa domain of PfEMP1 is a potential target for immuno-epidemiological studies and has been visualized as a vaccine candidate against severe malaria. Extensive var gene diversity (DBLa domain of PfEMP1) is an important aspect of pathogenesis in parasite lines. Specific host receptors like heparin, heparan sulphate, blood group A and complement receptor 1 have been reported to bind DBLa domain. Although heparin has been experimentally shown to disrupt the parasite-host interaction and effectively disrupt rosetting, the binding sites for the DBLa domain and mechanism behind heparin-mediated rosette inhibition have not been elucidated.