Representative confocal images showing merozoites attached to RBCs with apical or non-apical orientation. Merozoite density at the apical end of the merozoite is indicated by an arrow. Orientation of merozoites attached to WT versus CD55-null RBCs, indicated by the localization of AMA1, RON4, and a density at the merozoite’s apical end as measured by confocal microscopy. Apical, AMA1 and RON4 co-localized at the cellular interface and merozoite density abutting RBC; Not apical, AMA1 and RON4 not co-localized at the cellular interface and merozoite density not abutting RBC.

Shakya B, Patel SD, Tani Y, Egan ES. Erythrocyte CD55 mediates the internalization of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Elife. 2021 10:e61516. PMID: 34028351