Plasmodium falciparum P36 protein (PfP36)

Plasmodium falciparum P36 is a member of the conserved 6-Cys family of proteins, characterized by a specific domain structure containing six cysteine residues (UniProt: Q8I4W6). It is primarily expressed during the sporozoite stage of the malaria parasite's life cycle and plays a critical role in the infection of human hepatocytes (PubMed: 18463605). P36, often working in tandem with P52, is essential for the formation of the parasitophorous vacuole, which allows the parasite to survive and replicate within the liver cell (PubMed: 28439056). Research indicates that P36 interacts with host cell surface receptors, such as CD81 and SR-BI, to facilitate successful cell entry (PubMed: 36650134). Because P36 is vital for the transition from the skin to the liver, it is a primary candidate for pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies. Targeting P36 aims to achieve sterile immunity by preventing the parasite from ever reaching the blood stage, where clinical symptoms occur. Current therapeutic strategies include the development of genetically attenuated parasites where the p36 gene is deleted, as well as the design of recombinant protein vaccines (PubMed: 32433918).

Other names

P366-Cys protein P36PF3D7_0404400P52/P36 complex component

Blocking parasite entry into hepatocytes by inhibiting P36-mediated interaction with host receptors like CD81, preventing the establishment of liver-stage infection.