A lectin-like receptor is involved in invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum.

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Abstract
Glycophorin both in solution and inserted into liposomes blocks invasion of erythrocytes [from humans] by the malaria parasite P. falciparum. One sugar, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), completely blocks invasion of the erythrocyte by this parasite. GlcNAc coupled to bovine serum albumin to prevent the sugar entering infected erythrocytes was at least 100,000 times more effective than GlcNAc alone. Bovine serum albumin coupled to lactose or bovine serum albumin alone had no effect on invasion. Apparently, the binding of P. falciparum to erythrocytes is lectin-like and is determined by carbohydrates on glycophorin.