High level of var2csa transcription by Plasmodium falciparum isolated from the placenta

TY - JOUR

T1 - High level of var2csa transcription by Plasmodium falciparum isolated from the placenta

AU - Tuikue Ndam, Nicaise G

AU - Salanti, Ali

AU - Bertin, Gwladys

AU - Dahlbäck, Madeleine

AU - Fievet, Nadine

AU - Turner, Louise

AU - Gaye, Alioune

AU - Theander, Thor

AU - Deloron, Philippe

N1 - Keywords: Animals; Antigens, Protozoan; Base Sequence; Chondroitin Sulfates; DNA Primers; Female; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Placenta; Plasmodium falciparum; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Senegal; Transcription, Genetic; Variation (Genetics)

PY - 2005

Y1 - 2005

N2 - Plasmodium falciparum parasites that bind to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) express unique variant surface antigens that are involved in the placental sequestration that precipitates pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM). Two var gene subfamilies, var1csa and var2csa, have been associated with CSA binding. We show here that placental P. falciparum isolates highly transcribed var2csa but not var1csa. var2csa was not transcribed or was only minimally transcribed by parasites isolated from nonpregnant women. Placental parasites that effectively bound to placental chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans transcribed higher levels of var2csa. In pregnant women, levels of var2csa transcription and plasma anti-VAR2CSA immunoglobulin G were associated. These findings support the idea that VAR2CSA plays a crucial role in PAM and strengthen the rationale for the development of VAR2CSA-based vaccines.

AB - Plasmodium falciparum parasites that bind to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA) express unique variant surface antigens that are involved in the placental sequestration that precipitates pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM). Two var gene subfamilies, var1csa and var2csa, have been associated with CSA binding. We show here that placental P. falciparum isolates highly transcribed var2csa but not var1csa. var2csa was not transcribed or was only minimally transcribed by parasites isolated from nonpregnant women. Placental parasites that effectively bound to placental chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans transcribed higher levels of var2csa. In pregnant women, levels of var2csa transcription and plasma anti-VAR2CSA immunoglobulin G were associated. These findings support the idea that VAR2CSA plays a crucial role in PAM and strengthen the rationale for the development of VAR2CSA-based vaccines.

U2 - 10.1086/430933

DO - 10.1086/430933

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 15962229

SN - 0022-1899

VL - 192

SP - 331

EP - 335

JO - Journal of Infectious Diseases

JF - Journal of Infectious Diseases

IS - 2

ER -