P. falciparum invasion of human red cells and cytoadherence to endothelial cells is dependent upon a parasite produced glycosidase.

This report describes biochemical and immunological evidence that P. falciparum produces an neuraminidase-like activity on invasion into the human red cell. The enzyme-like activity modifies the surface of glycophorin A on the infected red cell membrane to prevent further invasion of other merozoites, as well as to enhance the binding capabilities of the red cell to the host's endothelial cells (EC).