Evaluation of Extracellular Vesicle Function During Malaria Infection

J Vis Exp. 2018 Feb 14:(132):57067. doi: 10.3791/57067.

Abstract

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, with P. falciparum being the most prevalent on the African continent and responsible for most malaria-related deaths globally. Several factors including parasite sequestration in tissues, vascular dysfunction, and inflammatory responses influence the evolution of the disease in malaria-infected people. P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) release small extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing different kinds of cargo molecules that mediate pathogenesis and cellular communication between parasites and host. EVs are efficiently taken up by cells in which they modulate their function. Here we discuss strategies to address the role of EVs in parasite-host interactions. First, we describe a straightforward method for labeling and tracking EV internalization by endothelial cells, using a green cell linker dye. Second, we report a simple way to measure permeability across an endothelial cell monolayer by using a fluorescently labeled dextran. Finally, we show how to investigate the role of small non-coding RNA molecules in endothelial cell function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology*
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Erythrocytes / pathology*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism
  • Extracellular Vesicles / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / blood*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / pathology
  • Microscopy, Confocal