Research progress on the structure and function of RIFIN protein of Plasmodium falciparum

doi:10.12140/j.issn.1000-7423.2021.02.019

Abstract

Abstract:

Plasmodium falciparum infection can result in severe malaria and even death. The P. falciparum-encoded repetitive interspersed families of polypeptides (RIFINs), one of the variant surface antigen families, can mediate the adhesion of infected erythrocytes and the formation of rosettes in the venous vascular system, thereby blocking blood flow and leading to severe malaria. RIFINs are expressed on the surface of infected red blood cells and are considered as an important immune target. However, due to the polygenicity and the gene polymorphism of the rif gene family, RIFINs can escape from the attack of immune system. Meanwhile, the binding of RIFINs to immune cell-surface inhibitory receptors such as leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B1 (LILRB1) and leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1) can down-regulate the immune response and achieve the immune escape. With recent research on the molecular mechanisms of falciparum malaria, the development of effective vaccines has become the key to preventing malaria and achieving malaria elimination. In this review, we introduce the structure of P. falciparum RIFINs, and highlight their roles in severe malaria and research progress in fields related to immune and vaccine development.

Key words: Plasmodium falciparum, RIFIN, Adhesion, Rosette, Immune escape

CLC Number:

R382.31

SHI Shan-mei, CHEN Jun-hu. Research progress on the structure and function of RIFIN protein of Plasmodium falciparum[J]. CHINESE JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY AND PARASITIC DISEASES, 2021, 39(2): 249-255.

Figures/Tables 3

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