Description | NTS, the N-terminal segment, is the most variable part of the variant surface antigen family of Plasmodium falciparum, the erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1) proteins. PfEMP1 is an important target for protective immunity and is implicated in the pathology of malaria through its ability to adhere to host endothelial receptors [ ]. A structural and functional study of the N-terminal domain of PfEMP1 from the VarO variant comprising the N-terminal segment (NTS) and the first DBL domain, shows this region is directly implicated in rosetting. NTS, previously thought to be a structurally independent component of PfEMP1, forms an integral part of the DBL1 domain that is found to be the important heparin-binding site []. This domain is closely associated with PFEMP DBL domain (), and Duffy-antigen binding ( ). | Name | Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1, N-terminal segment |
Short Name | PfEMP1_NTS | Type | Domain |