Erythrocyte variants and the nature of their malaria protective effect

摘要: Summary The malaria threat to global health is exacerbated by widespread drug resistance in the Plasmodium parasite and its insect vector, lack of an efficacious vaccine. Infection with parasites can cause a wide spectrum pathologies, from transient mild form anaemia severe rapidly fatal cerebral disease. Epidemiological studies humans experiments animal models have shown that genetic factors play key role onset, progression, type disease developed ultimate outcome malaria. The protective effect polymorphic variants erythrocyte-specific structural proteins or metabolic enzymes against blood-stage one clearest illustrations this modulation, has suggested co-evolution human host areas endemic Here, we present brief overview erythrocyte polymorphisms biological relevance pathogenesis, current work on mechanism(s) which these mediate their effect. recent addition pyruvate kinase group genes will also be discussed.