Platelets Attack Malaria Parasites with PF4 (5 of 5) (IMAGE)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Platelets Attack Malaria Parasites with PF4 (5 of 5)

Caption

This shows a diagram summarizing the findings of this report. It shows that upon binding to a parasite-infected cell, the platelet releases platelet factor molecule, which then binds to the red cell Duffy molecule. The Duffy-PF4 molecule is transported into the parasite where the PF4 kills the parasite. This image relates to a paper that appeared in the Dec. 7, 2012, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The paper, by Brendan McMorran at Macquarie University in Sydney, NSW, Australia, and colleagues was titled, “Platelet Factor 4 and Duffy Antigen Required for Platelet Killing of Plasmodium falciparum.”

Credit

[Image courtesy of Brendan McMorran and Golda Mitchell, Macquarie University]

Usage Restrictions

Please cite the owner of the image when publishing. This image may be freely used by reporters as part of news coverage, with proper attribution. Non-reporters must contact <i>Science</i> for permission.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.