Electron tomography of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites reveals core cellular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion
- Author(s)
- Hanssen, E; Dekiwadia, C; Riglar, DT; Rug, M; Lemgruber, L; Cowman, AF; Cyrklaff, M; Kudryashev, M; Frischknecht, F; Baum, J; Ralph, SA;
- Details
- Publication Year 2013-09,Volume 15,Issue #9,Page 1457-1472
- Journal Title
- CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- Erythrocyte invasion by merozoites forms of the malaria parasite is a key step in the establishment of human malaria disease. To date, efforts to understand cellular events underpinning entry have been limited to insights from non-human parasites, with no studies at sub-micrometer resolution undertaken using the most virulent human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. This leaves our understanding of the dynamics of merozoite sub-cellular compartments during infection incomplete, in particular that of the secretory organelles. Using advances in P. falciparum merozoite isolation and new imaging techniques we present a three-dimensional study of invasion using electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography and cryo-X-ray tomography. We describe the core architectural features of invasion and identify fusion between rhoptries at the commencement of invasion as a hitherto overlooked event that likely provides a critical step that initiates entry. Given the centrality of merozoite organelle proteins to vaccine development, these insights provide a mechanistic framework to understand therapeutic strategies targeted towards the cellular events of invasion.
- Publisher
- WILEY-BLACKWELL
- Keywords
- RED-BLOOD-CELLS; MALARIA PARASITE INVASION; TOXOPLASMA-GONDII; APICOMPLEXAN PARASITES; INFECTED ERYTHROCYTES; FINE STRUCTURE; SUBPELLICULAR MICROTUBULES; RHOPTRY PROTEINS; SURFACE-ANTIGEN; DENSE GRANULES
- Research Division(s)
- Infection And Immunity
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1111/cmi.12132
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Creation Date: 2013-09-01 12:00:00