Host cell-pathogen interactions between erythrocytes and P. falciparum: apoptotic mimicry?
type: CreativeWork
description: Understanding the phagocytic process of malaria-infected erythrocytes and the subsequent cascade of host response are important in developing new strategies for treating malaria. In this study, we focused on phosphatidylserine (PS) and its possible role in malaria pathogenesis through phagocytosis. Plasmodium falciparum was found to induce PS exposure in both infected and uninfected erythrocytes which could represent a form of apoptotic mimicry; therefore, aiding in parasite perpetuation and immune evasion. A new phagocytic assay was developed, using dihydroethidine and CellTraceTM Violet. While both infected and uninfected erythrocytes in P. falciparum cultures were phagocytosed by THP-1 cells, addition of Annexin V did not inhibit phagocytosis. However, an increase in IL-6 production and a decrease in IL-10 production were observed, suggesting upregulation of pro-inflammatory signals through the blocking of PS. In conclusion, the role of PS still remains unclear; however, the presence of apoptotic mimicry in P. falciparum cannot be ruled out.
abstract: Understanding the phagocytic process of malaria-infected erythrocytes and the subsequent cascade of host response are important in developing new strategies for treating malaria. In this study, we focused on phosphatidylserine (PS) and its possible role in malaria pathogenesis through phagocytosis. Plasmodium falciparum was found to induce PS exposure in both infected and uninfected erythrocytes which could represent a form of apoptotic mimicry; therefore, aiding in parasite perpetuation and immune evasion. A new phagocytic assay was developed, using dihydroethidine and CellTraceTM Violet. While both infected and uninfected erythrocytes in P. falciparum cultures were phagocytosed by THP-1 cells, addition of Annexin V did not inhibit phagocytosis. However, an increase in IL-6 production and a decrease in IL-10 production were observed, suggesting upregulation of pro-inflammatory signals through the blocking of PS. In conclusion, the role of PS still remains unclear; however, the presence of apoptotic mimicry in P. falciparum cannot be ruled out.
author: CHAN CHUU LING
keywords: malaria, falciparum, phosphatidylserine, phagocytosis, THP1, apoptosis
date published: 2013-03-15
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:32:30Z
provider: National University of Singapore
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: National University of Singapore