Hyperexpression of ICAM‐1 and CD36 in placentas infected with <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>: a possible role of these molecules in sequestration of infected red blood cells in placentas

Abstract

The higher expression of ICAM-1 in infected placentas and its localization in syncytiotrophoblast particularly during acute infection, suggest ICAM-1 can act directly in the sequestration of parasite-infected red blood cells (IRBCs). On the other hand, the expression of CD36 is influenced by the presence of IRBCs without being directly implicated in sequestration of IRBCs. The hyperexpression of these two molecules could explain the high frequency of malaria during pregnancy.