Abstract: Refrigerated storage of red cell concentrates (RCC) for transfusion is associated with the accumulation of various alterations to the red blood cells (RBCs). Among these, a subpopulation of small RBCs defined as storage-induced microerythrocytes (SMEs) accumulates during storage. The SMEs subpopulation correlates with transfusion recovery. Quantification of this morphologically-altered RBC subpopulation using flow cytometry would be a valuable tool to evaluate RCC quality. In the present invention, RBC obtained at the beginning or at the end of storage from RCC stored in SAGM in blood bank conditions were treated with a carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE) staining protocol and were finally analysed by flow cytometry to assess the intensity of CFSE staining. The inventors observed the accumulation of a CFDA-SEhigh subpopulation by flow cytometry that accounted for 0.8% and 36.3% at day 3 and 42 of storage, respectively.

Abstract: The spleen clears rigid erythrocytes from the circulation. Drug-induced stiffening of Plasmodium falciparum intra-erythrocytic sexual stages (mature gametocytes) is therefore expected to block the transmission of malaria By screening 13 555 compounds with spleen-mimetic microfilters, the inventors identified 82 compounds that stiffen mature gametocytes. Eight active families were identified, including known anti-malarial, antimicrobial or anticancer agents, amongst others. Hit prioritization based on accessible safety and pharmacokinetics data in humans identified 3 leading candidates. NITD609 displayed killing and stiffening effects (IC50 of 100 and 50 nM, respectively), while TD-6450 and L-THP had a pure or predominant stiffening effect (IC50 of 600 and 5 nM, respectively). These values are lower than or close to peak plasma concentrations in humans. Clinical trials with these strong malaria transmission-blocking candidates are envisioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to prepare red blood cells (RBCs) for infusion to a patient. Depletion of RBCs with altered deformability is achieved by filtration through micro-bead filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides the RSP-1 and RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadhesion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes, antibodies which bind to the proteins, methods of screening for a P. falciparum infection, methods of determining the infective stage of P. falciparum and vaccines for protecting individuals from Plasmodium sp. infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybridomas and antibodies which specifically react with native P. falciparum at a surface of ring stage infected erythrocytes and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides the RSP-1 and RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadhesion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes, antibodies which bind to the proteins, methods of screening for a P. falciparum infection, methods of determining the infective stage of P. falciparum and vaccines for protecting individuals from Plasmodium sp. infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a var gene and corresponding protein that modulates adhesion of parasitized red blood cells to chondroitin sulfate A. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a var gene and corresponding protein that modulates adhesion of parasitized red blood cells to chondroitin sulfate A. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides the RSP-1 and RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadheion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes, antibodies which bind to the proteins, methods of screening for a P. falciparum infection, methods of determining the infective stage of P. falciparum and vaccines for protecting individuals from Plasmodium sp. infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides the RSP-1 and RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadhesion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes, antibodies which bind to the proteins, methods of screening for a P. falciparum infection, methods of determining the infective stage of P. falciparum and vaccines for protecting individuals from Plasmodium sp. infections.