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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Methodology

Adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes in ex vivo perfused placental tissue: a novel model of placental malaria

Authors: Caroline Pehrson, Line Mathiesen, Kristine K. Heno, Ali Salanti, Mafalda Resende, Ron Dzikowski, Peter Damm, Stefan R. Hansson, Christopher L. King, Henning Schneider, Christian W. Wang, Thomas Lavstsen, Thor G. Theander, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Morten A. Nielsen

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Placental malaria occurs when Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes sequester in the placenta. Placental parasite isolates bind to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) by expression of VAR2CSA on the surface of infected erythrocytes, but may sequester by other VAR2CSA mediated mechanisms, such as binding to immunoglobulins. Furthermore, other parasite antigens have been associated with placental malaria. These findings have important implications for placental malaria vaccine design. The objective of this study was to adapt and describe a biologically relevant model of parasite adhesion in intact placental tissue.

Results

The ex vivo placental perfusion model was modified to study adhesion of infected erythrocytes binding to CSA, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) or a transgenic parasite where P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 expression had been shut down. Infected erythrocytes expressing VAR2CSA accumulated in perfused placental tissue whereas the EPCR binding and the transgenic parasite did not. Soluble CSA and antibodies specific against VAR2CSA inhibited binding of infected erythrocytes.

Conclusion

The ex vivo model provides a novel way of studying receptor-ligand interactions and antibody mediated inhibition of binding in placental malaria.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes in ex vivo perfused placental tissue: a novel model of placental malaria
Authors
Caroline Pehrson
Line Mathiesen
Kristine K. Heno
Ali Salanti
Mafalda Resende
Ron Dzikowski
Peter Damm
Stefan R. Hansson
Christopher L. King
Henning Schneider
Christian W. Wang
Thomas Lavstsen
Thor G. Theander
Lisbeth E. Knudsen
Morten A. Nielsen
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-016-1342-2

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