Malaria possesses a disconcertingly strong grip over most of the poorer nations of our world. However, with continued research into the topic, scientists are beginning to understand the complexities of malaria and how it functions within our bodies. Recently, Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences researchers have discovered a new method by which the malaria parasite is transferred into human red blood cells, sparking scientists to suggest a development of a vaccine – cocktail to fight the disease is imminent.
Malaria is transmitted to the human population by mosquitoes, with approximately 350 – 500 million people contracting the disease each year. Researchers have previously been aware that a molecule found on the surface of the red blood cell (glycophorin B) plays an integral role in the transmission of malaria from mosquitoes to humans. However, how the parasitic organism bonds to the red blood cell has, until now, remained unknown.
By conducting biochemical tests, the team of researchers from the Commonwealth University Live Sciences identified that the malaria parasite binds to the red blood cell through a specific attachment site called the EBL – 1 molecule. Using this information, potential vaccines for malaria could be created, whereby the EBL – 1 molecule could be specifically targeted.
References: ‘New Way The Malaria Parasite And Red Blood Cells Interact’ - Adapted from materials provided by Virginia Commonwealth University, ScienceDaily, Published 17th March 2009, Website cited 18th March 2009.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090310152333.htm
Malaria is transmitted to the human population by mosquitoes, with approximately 350 – 500 million people contracting the disease each year. Researchers have previously been aware that a molecule found on the surface of the red blood cell (glycophorin B) plays an integral role in the transmission of malaria from mosquitoes to humans. However, how the parasitic organism bonds to the red blood cell has, until now, remained unknown.
By conducting biochemical tests, the team of researchers from the Commonwealth University Live Sciences identified that the malaria parasite binds to the red blood cell through a specific attachment site called the EBL – 1 molecule. Using this information, potential vaccines for malaria could be created, whereby the EBL – 1 molecule could be specifically targeted.
References: ‘New Way The Malaria Parasite And Red Blood Cells Interact’ - Adapted from materials provided by Virginia Commonwealth University, ScienceDaily, Published 17th March 2009, Website cited 18th March 2009.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090310152333.htm
