Authors

M Hmoud¹; L Hadfield²; M Skidmore²; P Horrocks¹;  ¹ Keele University;  ² School of Life Sciences, Keele University

Discussion

Heparin, a sulphated glycosaminoglycan, inhibits the blood stage growth of P. falciparum. This inhibitory effect appears to be mediated through interference with merozoite surface proteins, resulting in a block of erythrocyte invasion. Use of heparins as an adjuvant therapy for severe malaria, however, is not possible due to its anticoagulant property. Here we report on the use of a novelbioluminescence assay of invasion-blocking activity using Dd2 and NF54 clones genetically modified to express a luciferase reporter. The invasion-blocking activity of chemically modified heparins, low molecular weight heparins and plant-derived complex saccharides are evaluated and compared between these two parasite clones. A correlation of invasion-blocking effect and anticoagulant activity will be used to identify candidates which block invasion and have a low anticoagulant activity.