Falciparum malaria parasites invade erythrocytes that lack glycophorin A and B (M super(k)M super(k)). Strain differences indicate receptor heterogeneity and two pathways for invasion

To determine the ligands on erythrocytes for invasion by Plasmodium falciparum , the authors tested invasion into M super(k)M super(k) erythrocytes that lack glycophorins A and B and enzyme-treated erythrocytes by parasites that differ in their requirement for erythrocyte sialic acid. The authors conclude that the 7G8 and Camp strains differ in ligand requirements for invasion and that 7G8 requires a trypsin sensitive ligand distinct from glycophorins A and B.