Functional studies of the malaria-protective Dantu polymorphism

Mortality rates from malaria remain high in sub-Saharan Africa and controlling the disease is becoming increasingly challenging as parasites develop resistance to antimalarial drugs and mosquitoes become resistant to insecticides. Finding new approaches to combat malaria is therefore critically important. Recently, several human genetic factors have been associated with natural resistance to malaria. These include the Dantu polymorphism, a strongly protective variant in red blood cell membrane proteins called glycophorins, which is found most commonly in people living on the Kenyan coast. 

I have recently shown that Dantu inhibits malaria infection by altering the biophysical structure of red blood cells, which act as hosts for malaria parasites. I propose to further investigate the processes through which Dantu confers its protective effects and its wider health implications.

My findings will inform the development of new approaches for malaria control and treatment.