The plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 does not influence parasite levels but partially promotes experimental cerebral malaria during murine blood stage malaria

Background Recent genome wide analysis studies have identified a strong association between single nucleotide variations within the human ATP2B4 gene and susceptibility to severe malaria. The ATP2B4 gene encodes the plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 (PMCA4), which is responsible for controlling the physiological level of intracellular calcium in many cell types, including red blood cells (RBCs). It is, therefore, postulated that genetic differences in the activity or expression level of PMCA4 alters intracellular Ca2+ levels and affects RBC hydration, modulating the invasion and growth of the Plasmodium parasite within its target host cell. Methods In this study the course of three different Plasmodium spp. infections were examined in mice with systemic knockout of Pmca4 expression. Results Ablation of PMCA4 reduced the size of RBCs and their haemoglobin content but did not affect RBC maturation and reticulocyte count. Surprisingly, knockout of PMCA4 did not significantly alter peripheral parasite burdens or the dynamics of blood stage Plasmodium chabaudi infection or reticulocyte-restricted Plasmodium yoelii infection. Interestingly, although ablation of PMCA4 did not affect peripheral parasite levels during Plasmodium berghei infection, it did promote slight protection against experimental cerebral malaria, associated with a minor reduction in antigen-experienced T cell accumulation in the brain. Conclusions The finding suggests that PMCA4 may play a minor role in the development of severe malarial complications, but that this appears independent of direct effects on parasite invasion, growth or survival within RBCs.

Automated summary

Recent genome wide analysis studies have found a strong association between genetic variations in the human ATP2B4 gene and susceptibility to severe malaria, suggesting that the plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 (PMCA4) encoded by this gene may play a role in modulating the growth and invasion of Plasmodium parasite within red blood cells. Knockout of PMCA4 in mice did not significantly affect parasite levels in different Plasmodium infections, but did provide slight protection against experimental cerebral malaria, possibly through a reduction in brain T cell accumulation.