Plasmodium falciparum-CD36 structure-function relationships defined by ortholog scanning mutagenesis.

The interaction of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes (IEs) with the host receptor CD36 is among the most studied host-parasite interfaces. CD36 is a scavenger receptor that binds numerous ligands including the CIDRα domains of PfEMP1 expressed on the surface of IEs. CD36 is conserved across species but orthologs display differential binding of IEs. In this study we exploited these differences, combined with the recent crystal structure and 3D modelling of CD36, to investigate malaria-CD36 structure-function relationships and further define IE-CD36 binding interactions. We show that a charged surface in the membrane-distal region of CD36 is necessary for IE binding. Moreover, IE interaction with this binding surface is influenced by additional CD36 domains, both proximal to and at a distance from this site. Our data indicate that subtle sequence and spatial differences in these domains modify receptor conformation and regulate the ability of CD36 to selectively interact with its diverse ligands.