Human red blood cell polymorphisms and malaria.

Abstract

Genetic factors are a major determinant of child survival in malaria endemic countries. Identifying which genes are involved and how they affect the malaria disease risk potentially offers a powerful mechanism through which to learn more about the host-parasite relationship. The past few years have seen significant progress towards achieving this goal for some of the best-known malaria resistance genes that determine the structure or function of red blood cells: Gerbich blood group antigen negativity; polymorphisms of the complement receptor genes (most notably CR1); Southeast Asian ovalocytosis; pyruvate kinase deficiency; haemoglobin E; the sickle cell trait; and alpha-thalassaemia are all examples. The challenge for the future must be to translate such advances into fresh approaches to the prevention and treatment of malaria.

• Authors: Thomas N Williams
• Journal: Current opinion in microbiology (Curr Opin Microbiol) Vol. 9 Issue 4 Pg. 388-94 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 1369-5274 [Print] England
• PMID: 16815736 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte
• Hemoglobin, Sickle
• Receptors, Complement 3b
• Viral Envelope Proteins
• glycoprotein gC, herpes simplex virus type 1
• Hemoglobin E

Topics

• Anion Exchange Protein 1, Erythrocyte (genetics)
• Erythrocytes (metabolism, parasitology)
• Hemoglobin E (physiology)
• Hemoglobin, Sickle (physiology)
• Hemoglobinopathies (genetics)
• Humans
• Malaria (genetics, prevention & control)
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Receptors, Complement 3b (genetics)
• Thalassemia (genetics)
• Viral Envelope Proteins (genetics)