A single fragment of a malaria merozoite surface protein remains on the parasite during red cell invasion and is the target of invasion-inhibiting antibodies.

Abstract

A complex of polypeptides derived from a precursor is present on the surface of the malaria merozoite. During erythrocyte invasion only a small fragment from this complex is retained on the parasite surface and carried into the newly infected red cell. Antibodies to this fragment will interrupt invasion.