This domain is found in the surface protein PfEMP1 from Plasmodium falciparum. PfEMP1 is essential for the virulence of this organism. This protein interacts with the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) through its cysteine-rich interdomain region (CIDRalpha1, this entry). This domain show binding surfaces that are conserved in shape and bonding potential, despite dramatic sequence diversity. The domain is built around a long three-helical core bundle, with a four-stranded beta-sheet on one side and two alpha-helices on the opposite side [1,2].

1: Structural conservation despite huge sequence diversity allows EPCR binding by the PfEMP1 family implicated in severe childhood malaria. Lau CK, Turner L, Jespersen JS, Lowe ED, Petersen B, Wang CW, Petersen JE, Lusingu J, Theander TG, Lavstsen T, Higgins MK; Cell Host Microbe. 2015;17:118-129. PMID:25482433

2: Severe malaria is associated with parasite binding to endothelial protein C receptor. Turner L, Lavstsen T, Berger SS, Wang CW, Petersen JE, Avril M, Brazier AJ, Freeth J, Jespersen JS, Nielsen MA, Magistrado P, Lusingu J, Smith JD, Higgins MK, Theander TG; Nature. 2013;498:502-505. PMID:23739325