In the E64-treated cultures, we found that the merozoites could still get out of the red blood cell, but they couldn't get out of the sacs. This told us that there are two steps in the process by which these parasites exit the host red blood cell, and that the second step requires a protease. The researchers once the protease inhibitor was removed, the malaria particles regained the ability to cause infection. Dr Goldberg said further work was needed to identify the specific proteases involved in rupturing the red blood cells. This would potentially enable scientists to develop drugs to stop the parasites getting out of their sacs and multiplying.
Malaria kills up to two million people each year.
The mosquito-borne disease causes high fever, muscle stiffness and sweating. It is the most prevalent tropical disease in the world. Drugs are used to treat victims but climate change, social instability and increased resistance to pesticides and treatments have hampered the battle against the illness. The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.