Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis while Plasmodium falciparum causes the most lethal form of malaria. T. gondii is unique as it can invade virtually any nucleated cell, although the mechanisms are not completely understood. Parasite attachment to the host cell is a prerequisite for reorientation and penetration and likely requires recognition of molecules at the host cell surface. It has been reported that the affinity of tachyzoites, the invasive form of T. gondii, for host cells can be inhibited by a variety of soluble sulfated glycosaminoglycans, such as heparin sulfate. Here, we report that protein components of the parasite rhoptry, dense granule and surface bind glycosaminoglycans.Plasmodium falciparum merozoites contain complex GPI anchors that have been identified as key toxins in malaria pathogenesis. This lecture will explore the role of GPI anchors during the infectious process and their connection to malaria symptoms such as fever and anemia using synthetic glycans as tools.

Chemical glycomics of T<i>oxoplasma gondii</i> and P<i>lasmodium falciparum</i> infections

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Chemical glycomics of Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum infections