In Plasmodium falciparum malaria, cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes to vascular endothelium and rosette formation with uninfected erythrocytes is mediated by which parasite-derived ligand expressed on the erythrocyte surface?

• A SERA (serine-rich antigen)
• B PfEMP1 (Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1) ✓
• C MSP-1 (merozoite surface protein 1)
• D EBA-175 (erythrocyte-binding antigen 175)

Explanation

PfEMP1, encoded by var genes (of which ~60 variants exist per parasite genome), is exported to the erythrocyte surface by the PEXEL-dependent export pathway. It binds host endothelial receptors (ICAM-1, CD36, PECAM-1, EPCR) causing sequestration and placental malaria. Its antigenic variation allows immune evasion and is central to severe malaria pathogenesis.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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