Identification of the Babesia bovis ridge protein

Shortly following invasion, Babesia bovis induces the formation of unique structures on the RBC surface, which we have termed ‘ridges’. Importantly, the appearance of ridges appears to correlate with the level of parasite virulence and are believed to be the structures responsible for the binding of infected RBC to endothelial cells therefore mediating the ‘vasculature-blocking’ phenotype of the parasite. The protein responsible for the formation of these ridges on the cell surface currently remain unknown. In this project we will use a combination of molecular, biochemical and proteomic approaches and transgenic parasites to identify the ‘ridge’ protein. Elucidation of this protein and ultimately its function in the infected RBC will give us a better understanding of the pathogenesis of babesiosis.