6-cysteine protein P36 (P36)

6-cysteine protein P36 is a critical surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites, belonging to the conserved s48/45 (6-cys) family. It is essential for the pre-erythrocytic stage of the malaria life cycle, specifically mediating the productive invasion of host hepatocytes and the subsequent formation of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). P36 functions as a key determinant of host cell receptor usage, interacting with human CD81 to facilitate entry into liver cells. Because the deletion of the p36 gene results in parasites that are unable to establish a liver-stage infection, it has become a primary target for the development of genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) vaccines, such as PfGAP3KO. Additionally, P36 is being investigated as a target for transmission-blocking and prophylactic monoclonal antibodies designed to prevent the onset of clinical malaria.

Other names

P366-cys protein P36Sporozoite surface protein P36PF3D7_0404400

Inhibition of sporozoite invasion into hepatocytes by blocking the interaction between P36 and host receptors (e.g., CD81), preventing the formation of the parasitophorous vacuole.