# ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF PLASMODIUM-HOST INTERACTIONS

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $75,539

## Abstract

The overall objectives of this research proposal are to study, by
electron microscopy, 1) the composition of the junctions formed
between the P. falciparum merozoite and erythrocyte membrane
during merozoite invasion, 2) the formation of knobs on
erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum or P. malariae, 3) the role
of erythrocyte cytoskeleton in malaria and 4) the mode of action
of cyclosporin A on the erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum.

Immuno-electron microscopy using various monoclonals, protein-A
gold and cryoultramicrotomy or LR White resin, will identify
proteins and cytoskeleton which are associated with junctions
formed between merozoites and erythrocyte membranes.  The
characterization of these junctions may reveal new approaches
for inhibiting their formation, thereby helping to prevent malaria
infection.

Studies of knob formation and composition will give clues on how
to inhibit their formation.  This information may be helpful for
preventing some complications of falciparum malaria, such as
cerebral malaria.  The understanding of the mode of action of
cyclosporin A on the erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum will
contribute to the advancement of our knowledge on the treatment
of malaria.  Thus, investigations proposed here should provide
answers to a number of basic questions on host-parasite
interaction and may lead to the discovery of better methods for
the control of malaria.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3124756
- **Project number:** 2R01AI010645-16
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HJMKEF7EJW69
- **Principal Investigator:** MASAMICHI M AIKAWA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $75,539
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1978-09-29 → 1990-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3124756

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3124756, ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF PLASMODIUM-HOST INTERACTIONS (2R01AI010645-16). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3124756. Licensed CC0.

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