Dr Ellen Knuepfer

 https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/88686423511?pwd=PgNnjYMl1yEpuchFKTOEONaKD0fL4R.1

Passcode: 732977

Title: Molecular mechanisms of red blood cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites: a comparative biology study

Synopsis:

The aim of my team’s research is to understand the molecular mechanisms of how apicomplexan parasites as obligate intracellular organisms enter and remodel their host cell. Using the power of comparative biology, we are investigating conserved and divergent cell biology as well as receptor-ligand interactions of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium vivax and Babesia divergence and their host cell, the red blood cell (RBC). For this we have developed reverse genetic approaches to study gene functions in an inducible way and have generated neutralising antibodies. Using these reagents we carefully analyse the process of RBC invasion by real-time and super resolution microscopy. Our studies together with our collaborators have led to the identification of novel parasite ligands and characterisation of their precise molecular functions, resulting in novel vaccine targets against malaria. Applying very similar approaches, we are functionally characterising Babesia proteins essential for RBC invasion to rationally develop livestock subunit vaccines against bovine babesiosis

 

Bio:

Ellen studied biology and biochemistry in Germany before moving to Imperial College, London, to study virulence factors in Leishmania major for her PhD. In 2001 Ellen started her first postdoctoral position in Australia at WEHI, investigating how the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, remodels its host cell, resulting in the discovery of the consensus protein signal for targeting parasite proteins for export. Returning to London in 2004, Ellen joined the National Institute for Medical Research and, subsequently, the Francis Crick Institute as principal staff scientist. Here, she trained and mentored many scientists from across the world in molecular parasitology whilst studying Plasmodium ligands involved in RBC invasion. To facilitate this, Ellen was instrumental in developing inducible gene regulation systems allowing the molecular investigation of Plasmodium biology. In 2020, Ellen joined the Royal Veterinary College, where she is the Senior Lecturer in Vaccinology.

First published: 4 September 2025

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