Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: Platelet factor 4 and Duffy antigen required for platelet killing of Plasmodium falciparum

Cite this dataset

McMorran, Brendan J. et al. (2013). Data from: Platelet factor 4 and Duffy antigen required for platelet killing of Plasmodium falciparum [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.8sb5h

Abstract

Platelets restrict the growth of intraerythrocytic malaria parasites by binding to parasitized cells and killing the parasite within. Here, we show that the platelet molecule platelet factor 4 (PF4 or CXCL4) and the erythrocyte Duffy-antigen receptor (Fy) are necessary for platelet-mediated killing of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. PF4 is released by platelets on contact with parasitized red cells, and the protein directly kills intraerythrocytic parasites. This function for PF4 is critically dependent on Fy, which binds PF4. Genetic disruption of Fy expression inhibits binding of PF4 to parasitized cells and concomitantly prevents parasite killing by both human platelets and recombinant human PF4. The protective function afforded by platelets during a malarial infection may therefore be compromised in Duffy-negative individuals, who do not express Fy.

Usage notes