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Arresting malaria parasite egress from infected red blood cells

The escape of mature malaria parasites from the confines of their host red blood cells is an essential yet poorly understood process. Recent studies now highlight a key role for parasite proteases that trigger the degradation of parasite and host membranes, leading to the egress of infectious parasite forms.

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Figure 1: Proteases mediate egress of malaria parasites from the host red blood cell.

Kim Caesar

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Lee, M., Fidock, D. Arresting malaria parasite egress from infected red blood cells. Nat Chem Biol 4, 161–162 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio0308-161

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio0308-161

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