Abstract: The s48/45 domain is a β-sandwich fold domain, and usually includes 6-cysteines. Proteins containing s48/45 domain exist in each developmental stages of Plasmodium parasite, and play an important role in the invasion  into host cells. According to the features and functions of the protein molecule, members of the s48/45 protein family could be used as the vaccine candidates against Plasmodium falciparum in different stages. This article focuses on the research progress of P. falciparum protein family containing s48/45 domain.

Key words: Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, s48/45 domain, Cysteine