RGCB researchers find parasites hiding in reticulocytes, overturning genetics-only view
Technology
A team at RGCB just discovered that malaria parasites dodge the effects of artemisinin by hiding out in young red blood cells called reticulocytes.
This flips the old idea that drug resistance was mainly about genetic mutations and points to how the parasite uses our own cells to survive.
Reticulocytes increase antimalarial resistance
Reticulocytes give parasites extra nutrients and antioxidants, making them tougher against treatment.
The study found that when parasites move to older blood cells, their resistance drops.
This is especially important for children and people with anemia, who have more reticulocytes.
Targeting these host-parasite interactions could help improve the effectiveness of existing antimalarial drugs and reduce treatment failures.