A long and winding road: the Plasmodium sporozoite's journey in the mammalian host

Parasitol Int. 2007 Sep;56(3):171-8. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2007.04.002. Epub 2007 Apr 24.

Abstract

The Plasmodium sporozoite, the infectious stage of the malaria parasite, makes a remarkable journey in its mammalian host. Here we review our current knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of this journey, which begins in the skin and ends in the hepatocyte.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hepatocytes / parasitology
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Plasmodium / classification
  • Plasmodium / genetics
  • Plasmodium / metabolism
  • Plasmodium / physiology*
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • Skin / parasitology
  • Sporozoites / metabolism
  • Sporozoites / physiology*

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins