Cell-Cell Communication between Malaria-Infected Red Blood Cells via Exosome-like Vesicles
Details
Publication Year 2013-05-23,Volume 153,Issue #5,Page 1120-1133
Journal Title
CELL
Publication Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is an important mechanism for information exchange promoting cell survival for the control of features such as population density and differentiation. We determined that Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells directly communicate between parasites within a population using exosome-like vesicles that are capable of delivering genes. Importantly, communication via exosome-like vesicles promotes differentiation to sexual forms at a rate that suggests that signaling is involved. Furthermore, we have identified a P. falciparum protein, PfPTP2, that plays a key role in efficient communication. This study reveals a previously unidentified pathway of P. falciparum biology critical for survival in the host and transmission to mosquitoes. This identifies a pathway for the development of agents to block parasite transmission from the human host to the mosquito.
Publisher
CELL PRESS
Keywords
PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM; HOST-CELL; MICROPARTICLES; MEMBRANE; PROTEINS; ERYTHROCYTES; NANOTUBES; MECHANISM; BINDING; DIFFERENTIATION
Research Division(s)
Infection And Immunity
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Creation Date: 2013-05-23 12:00:00
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