Genetic resistance to malaria, oxidative stress and hemoglobin oxidation

I describe a model which posits the molecular basis of some malaria-resistance genes in the interaction between oxidized hemoglobin and membrane components The model is supported by a considerable body of evidence which indicates that erythrocytes of genetically protected individuals (carriers of sickle cell trait, α- and β-thalassemia, and G6PD deficiency) are susceptible to the increase of oxidation of hemoglobin following H2O2 release in the host cell by Plasmodium falciparum. I suggest that the irreversible interaction between oxidized hemoglobin and the red cell membrane could trigger mechanisms that: (i) reduce invasion of erythrocytes by the falciparum parasite, (ii) impair parasite survival and development within the cell, (iii) accelerate infected erythrocyte clearance by phagocytosis.