In pregnancy-associated malaria, parasite-infected erythrocytes express the protein VAR2CSA on their surface and bind to chondroitin sulfate A in the placenta, with severe effects to the mother and the fetus. Now the crystal structure of a domain of VAR2CSA in complex with chondroitin sulfate A is reported and, together with functional studies, sheds insight into this interaction.
- Kavita Singh
- Apostolos G Gittis
- David N Garboczi
