Bottoms up! Malaria parasite invasion the right way around
Date
2023
Authors
Andrews, M.
Baum, J.
Gilson, P.R.
Wilson, D.W.
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Journal article
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Trends in Parasitology, 2023; 39(12):1004-1013
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Mia Andrews, Jake Baum, Paul R. Gilson, and Danny W. Wilson
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Abstract
A critical part of the malaria parasite’s life cycle is invasion of red blood cells (RBCs) by merozoites. Inside RBCs, the parasite forms a schizont, which undergoes segmentation to produce daughter merozoites. These cells are released, establishing cycles of invasion. Traditionally, merozoites are represented as nonmotile, egg-shaped cells that invade RBCs ‘narrower end’ first and pack within schizonts with this narrower end facing outwards. Here, we discuss recent evidence and re-evaluate previous data which suggest that merozoites are capable of motility and have spherical or elongated-teardrop shapes. Furthermore, merozoites invade RBCs ‘wider end’ first and pack within schizonts with this wider end facing outwards. We encourage the field to review this revised model and consider its implications for future studies.
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© 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.