Research progress on the structure and function of STEVOR proteins on Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells

doi:10.20199/j.issn.1672-2302.2025.02.012

Abstract

Abstract:

The variant surface antigens (VSAs) present on Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of severe malaria, and can serve as a potential target for protective immunity. The subtelomeric variant open reading frame (STEVOR) is a significant member of the VSAs family, which mediates the invasion of uninfected erythrocytes by merozoites and binding to glycophorin C (GPC) receptors on the erythrocyte surface and plays a crucial role in rosetting formation. Antibodies targeting the semiconserved (SC) region of STEVOR have been shown to inhibit both merozoite invasion and rosette formation. This article aims at systematically summarizing the structure and function of STEVOR, investigating the action mechanism of STEVOR in severe malaria and reviewing its progress in related vaccine development, with an attempt to provide a reference for the prevention and control of severe malaria.

Key words: Plasmodium falciparum, STEVOR, Adhesion, Rosetting, Immune escape

CLC Number:

R382.3+1

SUN Zhishan, YIN Jingxian, ZHAO Hanqing, ZHU Yinshan, ZHOU Xiaonong, Kassegne Kokouvi, CHEN Junhu. Research progress on the structure and function of STEVOR proteins on Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells[J]. Journal of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology, 2025, 23(2): 125-130.

Figures/Tables 2

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