The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is the major surface protein coating the Plasmodium sporozoite, the infective stage injected by the mosquito. Its primary role is to mediate the initial attachment and invasion of the sporozoite into hepatocytes (liver cells) in the human host. CSP contains conserved regions, including a central repeat region (the basis of some serological tests) and conserved domains at the C-terminus. The C-terminal region contains a thrombospondin-like adhesive domain that binds specifically to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the surface of hepatocytes. This binding is a critical first step in the complex process of liver invasion. After invasion, the sporozoite develops into exoerythrocytic forms. CSP is also a key target for pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines, such as the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which is based on a portion of the CSP protein.

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Zambia

• loveness Phiri – 724 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
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