The role of Duffy and PF4 in the platelet killing of malaria parasites. [ 2014 - 2017 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Brendan Mcmorran (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Gaetan Burgio ,  Prof Simon Foote

Brief description Platelets in the blood can kill the Plasmodium parasite, which lives inside red blood cells and causes malaria. Platelets bind parasite-infected red cells and release a molecule that is toxic to the parasite. This project will study why a red cell molecule called Duffy is also needed for this function of platelets. Most Africans carry a gene for Duffy that stops its expression in red cells, and may therefore be more susceptible to malaria because their platelets cannot kill the malaria parasite.

Funding Amount $AUD 350,044.99

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant