Identification of merozoite secreted repertoire and immuno-pharmacological inhibition of a novel host-parasite interaction to block malarial infection

Background: During the intra-erythrocytic proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum, the host erythrocyte invasion is regarded as a complex and tightly regulated process comprising multiple receptor-ligand interactions, and numerous secretory molecules. Proteins secreted sequentially from apical organelles of merozoites serve as adhesins that play a crucial role in RBC invasion and can serve as vaccine and therapeutic targets. Methods: Purified merozoites were triggered to discharge apical organelle contents by exposure to ionic conditions mimicking that of blood plasma. The secreted proteins were subjected to tandem mass spectrometry, and a well-characterized invasion ligand, RhopH3, was identified. A novel RhopH3 receptor, 14-3-3ɳ was unearthed using a Bacterial two-hybrid approach. This interaction was confirmed using multiple biophysical and biochemical approaches. We were successful in disrupting this interaction using a de novo peptide binder of 14-3-3ɳ, and we subsequently assessed its effect on merozoite invasion. Results: A total of 66 proteins were identified in the secretory fraction with apical organellar or merozoite membrane localization. The well-known adhesin, RhopH3 was also identified and its interaction with the host phosphopeptide-binding protein, 14-3-3ɳ was established. We also discovered a de novo peptide with the potency to disrupt this crucial interaction, thereby blocking merozoite invasion. Conclusion: We, for the first time, report the secretory repertoire of plasmodium merozoite. Our study shows the importance of the erythrocyte protein, 14-3-3ɳ during the invasion process and paves the way for developing anti-malarial peptides or small molecules that inhibit the host-pathogen interaction, hence abrogating the invasion process. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.