RHOPTRY PROTEINS OF PLASMODIUM SPECIES

Abstract

Rhoptry proteins of Plasmodium sp. participate in host cell invasion and intracellular parasite development. In this review, the major rhoptry proteins of P. falciparum are discussed with respect to their importance in the biology of Plasmodium species and as malaria vaccine candidates. The morphology and organization of the rhoptries in Plasmodium species are compared with those of other apicomplexans, and the contributions of apical complex proteins to invasion in ookinetes and sporozoites are discussed. Furthermore, the significance of host cell binding by apical complex proteins, and their role in host cell invasion among the different invasive stages is also reviewed.