Evolution of the multi-domain structures of virulence genes in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
The var gene family of Plasmodium falciparum encodes the immunodominant variant surface antigens PfEMP1. These highly polymorphic proteins are important virulence factors that mediate cytoadhesion to a variety of host tissues, causing sequestration of parasitized red blood cells in vital organs, inc...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2012-01-01
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Series: | PLoS Computational Biology |
Online Access: | http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3325180?pdf=render |