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Predicted conformations for the immunodominant region of the circumsporozoite protein of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract
The circumsporozoite protein of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum contains multiple tandem repeats of the amino acid sequence Asn-Ala-Asn-Pro. The repeated sequence encompasses the immunodominant region of the protein, and antibodies raised against it are potent inhibitors of invasion and development of sporozoites in cultured hepatocytes. Using a modified build-up procedure, we have explored a large number of possible helical and near-helical conformations of a terminally blocked tetraicosapeptide, consisting of six repeats of the sequence Asn-Ala-Asn-Pro, and conclude that two helical conformations are energetically favored to the exclusion of all others. One of these conformations is longer, thinner, and left-handed and is likely to be adopted in nonpolar environments, while the other is shorter, broader, and right-handed and should be favored in aqueous solutions. We propose that the immunodominant region of the circumsporozoite protein of P. falciparum adopts one of these conformations in vivo.
AuthorsK D Gibson, H A Scheraga
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A) Vol. 83 Issue 15 Pg. 5649-53 (Aug 1986) ISSN: 0027-8424 [Print] United States
PMID2426702 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Epitopes
  • Peptides
  • Solvents
Topics
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan (analysis)
  • Antigens, Surface (analysis)
  • Epitopes
  • Models, Molecular
  • Peptides
  • Plasmodium falciparum (immunology)
  • Protein Conformation
  • Solvents
  • Thermodynamics

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