Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP)

Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP) is a critical parasite adhesin required for the invasion of human reticulocytes by Plasmodium vivax. The protein functions by binding specifically to the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC), also known as FY glycoprotein, on the surface of host red blood cells [1][3]. This binding event is essential for the formation of a tight junction between the parasite and the host cell, which precedes internalization [2]. The primary functional domain is the cysteine-rich Region II (PvDBPII), which mediates the interaction with DARC [1][4]. Because individuals who lack DARC expression (Duffy-negative) are largely resistant to P. vivax infection, PvDBP is considered the leading candidate for a blood-stage vaccine against vivax malaria [3][5]. Current therapeutic development focuses on inducing neutralizing antibodies that block the PvDBPII-DARC interaction to prevent infection [4][6]. However, the high degree of genetic polymorphism within the PvDBPII domain across different geographic isolates presents a major challenge for the development of a broadly protective vaccine [5][7]. [1] UniProt Consortium. UniProtKB - P22290 (DBP_PLAVS). https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P22290/entry [2] Batchelor, J. D., et al. (2011). 'Structural basis for critical Duffy-binding protein-Duffy antigen interaction and parasite invasion.' Science. [3] Howes, R. E., et al. (2011). 'The global distribution of the Duffy blood group.' Nature Communications. [4] Singh, K., et al. (2018). 'Structure-guided antigen design yields a potent malaria vaccine candidate.' Nature Communications. [5] Ntumngia, F. B., et al. (2012). 'Genetic variation in the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein.' Infection and Immunity. [6] Payne, R. O., et al. (2017). 'Demonstration of the blood-stage efficacy of a Plasmodium vivax vaccine.' JCI Insight. [7] Franca, C. T., et al. (2013). 'Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b are associated with protection against clinical malaria.' PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Other names

Duffy binding proteinPvDBPIIDuffy-binding ligandP. vivax erythrocyte binding proteinDuffy antigen-binding protein

Inhibition of parasite invasion by blocking the interaction between the PvDBP Region II domain and the host Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC) on reticulocytes.