Illuminating Plasmodium invasion by lattice-light-sheet microscopy

Plasmodium merozoites invade erythrocytes in a stepwise manner through ligand binding, calcium signaling, and membrane deformation. Using a recently developed light sheet microscope, Geoghegan et al. investigated invasion with unprecedented temporal resolution. Their spectacular footage revealed roles for host cell cholesterol and pore formation at the parasite-host cell interface.

Automated summary

Plasmodium merozoites invade erythrocytes through ligand binding, calcium signaling, and membrane deformation in a stepwise manner. Geoghegan et al. utilized a newly developed light sheet microscope to investigate invasion with unprecedented temporal resolution, revealing the roles of host cell cholesterol and pore formation at the parasite-host cell interface.