The binding site on ICAM-1 for Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes overlaps, but is distinct from, the LFA-1-binding site.

The intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) is one of three putative endothelial receptors that mediate in vitro cytoadherence of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Since cytoadherence to postcapillary venular endothelium is thought to be a major factor in the virulence of P. falciparum malaria, we have examined the interaction between ICAM-1 and the P. falciparum-infected cell, and have compared it with the interaction to the physiological counter receptor, the leukocyte integrin LFA-1. Our results demonstrate that the malaria-binding site resides in the first two domains of the ICAM-1 molecule and overlaps, but is distinct from, the LFA-1 site.