Molecular defect of the band 3 protein in Southeast Asian ovalocytosis

Article Abstract:

Elliptocytosis is an inherited blood abnormality characterized by an increase in elliptocytes, oval-shaped blood cells. A related condition, Southeast Asian ovalocytosis or stomatocytic elliptocytosis, which affects up to 30 percent of some ethnic groups in Southeast Asia, causes no symptoms. It was thought that these blood cells, which are very rigid, would not survive well, but that does not seem to be the case. Ovalocytes are of interest because, in test tubes, they are resistant to invasion by various strains of malaria parasites and, in areas where malaria is prevalent, they contain fewer parasites. To further assess this feature, blood samples from 54 individuals with ovalocytosis, 55 Southeast Asians without the condition, and 67 white or black Americans were examined. The results revealed that these oval blood cells contain an abnormal band 3 protein that is dominantly inherited, and is linked with the inheritance of ovalocytosis. Red blood cells affected by Southeast Asian ovalocytosis, unlike red cells in other disorders, such as elliptocytosis and spherocytosis, are unique because the underlying defect produces an extremely stable protein linkage and rigid red cell membrane. The contact site between band 3 and ankyrin is regulated by phosphorylation (the combining of a phosphate with an organic compound). The entry of malaria parasites into cells seems to require phosphorylation of member proteins that have so far not been identified. The role of the abnormal band 3 in malaria resistance may be an important clue in the mystery of how malaria parasites enter cells. Malaria is a mosquito-borne, chronic, and sometimes fatal disease endemic to tropical areas. Further research may someday provide the mechanism for a means of aborting the parasite's entry into the cell, thereby preventing the transmission of malaria. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Demographic aspects, Genetic aspects, Elliptocytosis, Hereditary

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A preliminary evaluation of a recombinant circumsporozoite protein vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Article Abstract:

A malaria vaccine that contains the circumsporozoite protein, the hepatitis B surface antigen and immune stimulants may be more effective than traditional vaccines. Researchers tested 3 different versions of this malaria vaccine and a placebo in 46 people. The participants were then challenged with malaria by being exposed to infected mosquitoes. All of those who were vaccinated with a placebo developed malaria and so did most of those vaccinated with 2 versions of the vaccine. The third version, which contained immune stimulants, protected most of those who received it from malaria.

Evaluation

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A malaria vaccine based on a sporozoite antigen

Article Abstract:

A promising new malaria vaccine needs to be tested in areas where malaria is endemic. The vaccine is based on the circumsporozoite protein, which is expressed during the sporozoite stage of the infection. It also contains immune stimulants to help boost the immune response to the vaccine. A 1996 study showed that the vaccine protected almost all of those who were vaccinated against malaria. This is important because the malaria parasite is developing resistance to many of the drugs used to treat malaria. There are 500 million cases of malaria worldwide and 2.7 million die each year.

Editorial, Product development

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