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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

assay, protective malaria antibody, cellular invasion

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

Investigations have determined that people living in areas where malaria is widespread have developed an acquired immune response that resists the malaria parasite. Normally, the malaria parasite enters the cell and takes over certain cellular functions. This cellular invasion provides nutrients to the parasite which perpetuates its life cycle. In cases where an immune response has been developed, the immune system produces antibodies which prevent the malaria parasite from invading the erythrocyte. This type of immune response is effective through two possible mechanisms. The first mechanism prevents parasite attachment to the erythrocyte plasma membrane. The second mechanism restricts the parasite from entering the cell.

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