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The laboratory of Qijun Chen has been focusing on understanding the molecular mechanism of severe malaria. One of the main objectives has been to dissect the virulence factor genes (encoding PfEMP1s and other surface-expressed molecules) of P. falciparum causing severe manifestation, antigenic variation at the infected erythrocyte surface and the biological function of variant antigens. The group has cloned and analysed several PfEMP1s molecules associated with cerebral and placental malaria. In collaboration with scientists in African countries, he is aiming at targeting the virulent factors directly from severe malaria patients. In addition, he has set up DNA array and malaria sequestration rodent model facilities and interesting data has been generated. A large number of unique tools (antibodies to several surface-expressed molecules, P. falciparum whole genome array and var gene-specific array, single cell cloning facilities and whole animal scanning and imaging systems) and techniques to investigate parasite adhesion in vitro and in vivo are available. His expertise will complement and strengthen other partner activities to achieve the general goals defined in clusters 1+ 3.
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