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Linking EPCR-Binding PfEMP1 to Brain Swelling in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria.

Cell host & microbe | 2017

Brain swelling is a major predictor of mortality in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM). However, the mechanisms leading to swelling remain poorly defined. Here, we combined neuroimaging, parasite transcript profiling, and laboratory blood profiles to develop machine-learning models of malarial retinopathy and brain swelling. We found that parasite var transcripts encoding endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR)-binding domains, in combination with high parasite biomass and low platelet levels, are strong indicators of CM cases with malarial retinopathy. Swelling cases presented low platelet levels and increased transcript abundance of parasite PfEMP1 DC8 and group A EPCR-binding domains. Remarkably, the dominant transcript in 50% of swelling cases encoded PfEMP1 group A CIDRα1.7 domains. Furthermore, a recombinant CIDRα1.7 domain from a pediatric CM brain autopsy inhibited the barrier-protective properties of EPCR in human brain endothelial cells in vitro. Together, these findings suggest a detrimental role for EPCR-binding CIDRα1 domains in brain swelling.

Pubmed ID: 29107642 RIS Download

Associated grants

  • Agency: NCATS NIH HHS, United States
    Id: TL1 TR001072
  • Agency: NHLBI NIH HHS, United States
    Id: R01 HL130488
  • Agency: NIMH NIH HHS, United States
    Id: K08 MH089848
  • Agency: NIGMS NIH HHS, United States
    Id: P50 GM076547
  • Agency: NCATS NIH HHS, United States
    Id: UL1 TR001073
  • Agency: NIAID NIH HHS, United States
    Id: T32 AI070117
  • Agency: NIAID NIH HHS, United States
    Id: R01 AI034969
  • Agency: NIAID NIH HHS, United States
    Id: R01 AI114766
  • Agency: NIGMS NIH HHS, United States
    Id: P41 GM109824

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