A team from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K), led by Prof. Arun K. Shukla from the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, achieved a major scientific milestone by visualizing the complete structure of the Duffy antigen receptor for the first time.
This receptor, located on the surface of red blood cells and other cells, acts as a portal for infections caused by harmful pathogens such as the malaria parasite plasmodium vivax and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.
Prof. Shukla noted, “Although the Duffy antigen receptor is present in most people, a notable proportion of individuals of African descent lack this receptor on their red blood cells due to a genetic variation. This absence provides natural resistance to certain malaria parasites that depend on this specific entry point for infection. This highlights the Duffy antigen receptor’s crucial role in these diseases and suggests that targeting it could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches”.
The team utilized advanced cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to reveal the detailed architecture of the Duffy antigen receptor, offering new insights into its unique structural characteristics and differentiating it from other receptors in the body. As reported by biospectrumindia.com, the in-depth understanding is essential for developing targeted therapies that can effectively prevent infections while minimizing adverse effects.