A model for the progression of receptor–ligand interactions during erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum

[Display omitted] ► Entry of malaria merozoites into erythrocytes is preceded by a ∼10s pre-invasion phase. ► Pre-invasion concludes with the formation of a junction at the host–parasite interface where AMA1 binds the RON complex. ► Binding of EBL/PfRh ligands to their erythrocyte receptors may help orientate the merozoite apex to the erythrocyte surface. ► The binding of merozoite ligand PfRh5 to the erythrocyte Basigin receptor is an essential pre-invasion step. Multiple and seemingly sequential interactions between parasite ligands and their receptors on host erythrocytes are an essential precursor to invasion by the obligate intracellular pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum. Consequently, identification and characterisation of the specific effectors that facilitate these recognition events are of special interest for the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic solutions to malaria. There have been many recent advances regarding the identification of host–parasite receptor–ligand pairs, however the precise function and temporal aspects of these interactions are far from resolved. This review provides an update on the current details of these interactions to place them in sequence and super impose them upon the known kinetic events of invasion.