Multiple <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> erythrocyte membrane protein 1 variants per genome can bind IgM via its Fc fragment Fcμ

The Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) adhesive proteins expressed on the surfaces of infected erythrocytes (IEs) are of key importance in the pathogenesis of P. falciparum malaria. Several structurally and functionally defined PfEMP1 types have been associated with severe clinical manifestations, such as cerebral malaria in children and placental malaria in pregnant women. PfEMP1 that can bind the Fc part of IgM (Fcμ) characterizes one such type, although the functional significance of this IgM binding to PfEMP1 remains unclear. In this study, we report the identification and functional analysis of five IgM-binding PfEMP1 proteins encoded by P. falciparum NF54. In addition to the VAR2CSA-type PFL0030c protein, already known to bind Fcμ and to mediate chondroitin sulfate A (CSA)-specific adhesion of IEs in the placenta, we found four PfEMP1 proteins not previously known to bind IgM this way. Although they all contained Duffy binding-like ε (DBLε) domains similar to those in VAR2CSA-type PfEMP1, they did not mediate IE adhesion to CSA, and IgM binding did not shield IEs from phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized IEs. In this way, these new IgM-binding PfEMP1 proteins resemble the rosette-mediating and IgM-binding PfEMP1 HB3VAR06, but none of them mediated formation of rosettes. We could map the capacity for Fc-specific IgM binding to DBLε domains near the C terminus for three of the four PfEMP1 proteins tested. Our study provides new evidence regarding Fc-dependent binding of IgM to PfEMP1, which appears to be a common and multifunctional phenotype

Features of Indicators of Blood General Clinical Analysis and the Summary Analysis of an Organism’s General Reactivity at Chronic Inflammatory Process

Inflammatory diseases cause health disorders which result in a reduction of the population. That is why this medical problem is considered to be a very important one. The human immune system is responsible for protecting the body from infections of various origins, while inducing chronic inflammation (characterized by a long, often invisible course) which can result in proneness to recurrence, complications and resistance to therapy. The authors of the article analyzed and proved that there are immune status shifts in patients with chronic nonspecific inflammatory processes depending on the pathogen, phase and level of damage

The study of the toxic effect of the heavy metals salts on the erythropoiesis in the rats

Heavy metals salts (HMS) are the most common pollutants that are proved to have the negative effect. The objective is to determine the morphological features of the marrow in rats, caused by the combined effect of the heavy metals salts

Development of CAN Network with Improved Parameters for Adaptive Car Front Lighting System

An analysis of implementation principles and algorithms of the adaptive car front-lighting system (AFS) and control methods is carried out. The AFS was adopted by the UNECE in 2007 as the rules for arranging front-lighting systems of vehicles when driving in the dark. Among the known algorithms of AFS operation, a preliminary inspection algorithm is chosen, based on the features of the driver's observation of the road in front of the vehicle, taking into account the characteristics of his vision. The requirements of the algorithm for the control system are analyzed. Control methods using Arduino controllers and computer network are considered. Given the capabilities of network technologies, the CAN network (Controller Area Network) is chosen to ensure the quality of control. It is recommended to use the CAN network option with a length of 40 or 100 m and a speed of 1,000, 500 kbit/s, respectively. Network performance parameters are calculated: speed, error probabilities, performance dependence on load, size of commands and duration of transmission, and compliance with AFS requirements. It is proposed to improve the network arbitration algorithm by increasing the probability of transmission of low-priority commands at high load. The AFS developed on the basis of the CAN network allows creating comfortable conditions for the driver in the dark, preventing accidents, and ensuring traffic safety.An analysis of the AFS operation shows that it is directly related to the operation of most of the main components of the car, namely: engine, steering, gearbox, brakes, accelerometer, etc. It is operated under the driver's control. Therefore, this system can have extended functions, serve as the basis for the safety system and vehicle control system as a whol