Skip to main content

Population structuring of multi-copy, antigen-encoding genes in Plasmodium falciparum

Author(s): Artzy-Randrup, Yael; Rorick, Mary M.; Day, Karen; Chen, Donald; Dobson, Andrew P.; et al

Download
To refer to this page use: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/pr19h97
Abstract: The coexistence of multiple independently circulating strains in pathogen populations that undergo sexual recombination is a central question of epidemiology with profound implications for control. An agent-based model is developed that extends earlier ‘strain theory’ by addressing the var gene family of Plasmodium falciparum. The model explicitly considers the extensive diversity of multicopy genes that undergo antigenic variation via sequential, mutually exclusive expression. It tracks the dynamics of all unique var repertoires in a population of hosts, and shows that even under high levels of sexual recombination, strain competition mediated through cross-immunity structures the parasite population into a subset of coexisting dominant repertoires of var genes whose degree of antigenic overlap depends on transmission intensity. Empirical comparison of patterns of genetic variation at antigenic and neutral sites supports this role for immune selection in structuring parasite diversity.
Publication Date: 18-Dec-2012
Electronic Publication Date: 18-Dec-2012
Citation: Artzy-Randrup, Yael, Rorick, Mary M, Day, Karen, Chen, Donald, Dobson, Andrew P, Pascual, Mercedes. (2012). Population structuring of multi-copy, antigen-encoding genes in Plasmodium falciparum. eLife, 1, doi:10.7554/eLife.00093
DOI: doi:10.7554/eLife.00093
EISSN: 2050-084X
Pages: 1 - 17
Type of Material: Journal Article
Journal/Proceeding Title: eLife
Version: Final published version. This is an open access article.



Items in OAR@Princeton are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.