Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigen

Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage antigens are any of a diverse set of proteins and other molecules expressed by the malaria parasite during its asexual development within red blood cells. These antigens include major surface and secreted proteins such as PfEMP1, RIFIN, STEVOR, PfRh5, EBA-175, MSP1, and others. Blood-stage antigens are responsible for immune evasion through antigenic variation, mediation of cytoadhesion and sequestration of infected erythrocytes, and promotion of host cell invasion. Because of their crucial role in malaria pathogenesis and immunity, these antigens are major targets for naturally acquired immune responses and current vaccine development strategies. However, their extreme diversity and capacity for antigenic variation present a formidable challenge for effective therapies and vaccines[4][5][7][3]. Note: For structured, target-specific information, use the full name of a particular antigen (for example: “Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1)” or “Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRh5)”) instead of this generic category.

Other names

Blood-stage antigenBlood-stage proteinMerozoite surface antigenVariant surface antigen (VSA)

Inhibition of erythrocyte invasion (antibodies block antigen-receptor interaction) Opsonization and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity Immune-mediated clearance of infected cells (targeting surface antigens)