Structural analysis of P. falciparum KAHRP and PfEMP1 complexes with host erythrocyte spectrin suggests a model for cytoadherent knob protrusions
Fig 7
Model of knob formation structure.
Panel (A) depicts an initial step in knob assembly when PfEMP1 and KAHRP have localized close to the junctional and ankyrin complexes, respectively. PHIST proteins, such as PFE1605w [38, 39, 44], may further connect PfEMP1 and the cytoskeleton. Panel (B) depicts a model of the final knob structure, characterized by high protein density as a result of KAHRP self-association [23] and the formation of spiral assemblies [40].