Synthetic peptides based on motifs present in human band 3 protein inhibit cytoadherence/sequestration of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Synthetic peptides patterned on the amino acid sequences found in two exofacial regions of band 3 protein (residues 824-829 of loop 7 and residues 547-553 of loop 3) blocked, in a dose-dependent fashion, the in vitro adherence of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to C32 amelanotic melanoma cells. Intravenous infusion of these synthetic peptides into Aotus and Saimiri monkeys infected with sequestering isolates of P. falciparum resulted in the appearance of mature forms of the parasite in the peripheral circulation. The finding that the peptides were effective as adhesion blockers in the micromolar range suggests that cerebral malaria could be managed through antiadhesion therapy.