Plasmodium parasites use Duffy-binding proteins (DBPs) to invade erythrocyte precursor cells via binding to host protein DARC. Now this interaction is examined by structural and functional work on Plasmodium vivax DBP, revealing that it binds to DARC as a dimer and providing insights into host protective responses and immune evasion by the parasite.
- Joseph D Batchelor
- Jacob A Zahm
- Niraj H Tolia