PfRH5

Full Name: Plasmodium falciparum Reticulocyte-binding Protein Homologue 5

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) is a critical protein involved in the invasion of human red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most severe form of malaria. PfRH5 is part of the reticulocyte-binding protein homolog (RH) family, which the parasite uses to invade host red blood cells (RBCs). Unlike other members of this family, PfRH5 is essential for the invasion of all human RBCs, making it a vital target for intervention.

Synonyms: Plasmodium falciparum Reticulocyte-binding Protein Homologue 5; PfRH5; P. falciparum RH5; Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite P. falciparum); RH5