The co-regulatory dynamics of gene regulation among Plasmodium spp. and their mammalian hosts

虽然我们对疟原虫的生命周期有广泛的了解，也有关于宿主和病原体的全面的基因组资源，但需要更好地理解为什么个体对疟疾感染的反应不同。关于寄主和寄生虫之间动态反馈的自然变化，人们知之甚少。这项研究计划的长期目标是更好地理解灵长类免疫系统和疟疾反应的共同进化。对寄生虫全基因组序列的群体遗传学研究强调了遗传变异的选择在帮助塑造病原体进化方面的重要作用。许多有助于宿主抗性进化的基因也是已知的，包括那些与珠蛋白病(Hb、β-地中海贫血)、代谢和血型相关的基因。关于寄主和寄生虫如何影响彼此的功能，我们知之甚少。

While we have extensive knowledge of the lifecycle of Plasmodium parasites, and comprehensive genomic resources for host and pathogen alike, one area of need is a better understanding of why individuals vary in their response to malaria infection. Little is known about natural variation in dynamic feedback between the host and the parasite. The long-term goals of this research program are to establish a better understanding of co-evolution of the primate immune system and malaria response. Population genetic studies of whole genome sequences of the parasite have highlighted important roles for selection on genetic variation in helping to shape the pathogen’s evolution. Numerous genes contributing to the evolution of host resistance are also known, including those associated with globinopathies (Hb, beta-thalassemia), metabolism, and blood groups. Much less is known about how the host and parasite influence each other’s function.