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Malaria parasites attack red blood cells and form an internal section where they multiply many times before infecting more cells. The parasites have to break through the internal section and the cell membrane by using different protein and enzymes to prevent coming in contact with red blood cells.
Interrupting the protein lowers the capacity of the parasite, prevents escape and reduces the rate of infection. The parasite in its internal section inside the cell are surrounded by proteins – SERA5 protein.
Researchers knock out the protein using genetic tools, the gene is responsible for production of SERA5 protein in malaria parasites. They found that the parasites broke through the membranes faster than normal but many got stuck on their way when tested under microscope. It shows that they may not attack other red blood cells.
Malaria parasites can not survive for long outside red blood cells, so if they are prevented from getting to red blood cells while trying to escape, they might die before they have a chance to infect another cell.
Malaria parasites without SERA5 protein were not as strong as normal parasites with the protein while escaping and infecting new cells.
Researchers are planning to use SERA5 or one of the enzymes to produce an antimalarials drug.
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