Identification and Immunological Characterization of the Ligand Domain of Plasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Protein 1a.

Background: Erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasites is essential for blood-stage development. Consequently, parasite proteins critically involved in erythrocyte invasion, such as the Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding proteins (RBPs) that mediate preferential invasion of reticulocytes, are considered potential vaccine targets. Thus, targeting the RBPs could prevent blood-stage infection and disease.

Naturally Acquired Binding-Inhibitory Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein and Clinical Immunity to Malaria in Rural Amazonians.

Background: Antibodies to the cysteine-rich domain II of Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) can inhibit binding of this parasite ligand to its receptor on red blood cells, the Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines. These binding-inhibitory antibodies (BIAbs) also inhibit P. vivax invasion of reticulocytes in vitro.

Quantitative microscopy in murine models of lung inflammation.

Objective: To develop a quantitative means to measure lung inflammation using the murine models of chronic asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF).

Study Design: Translational-based medicine often utilizes animal models to study new and innovative therapeutics. In asthma and CF, the animal models focus on airway inflammation and remodeling.

Upright imaging of Drosophila embryos.

Several well-known morphogenetic gradients and cellular movements occur along the dorsal/ventral axis of the Drosophila embryo. However, the current techniques used to view such processes are somewhat limited. The following protocol describes a new technique for mounting fixed and labeled Drosophila embryos for coronal viewing with confocal imaging.