Fig. 1.

Var gene organization and protein domain architectures. A. Chromosomal organization of var genes. Group B and A var genes are located in the subtelomeric regions and transcribed in opposite orientations. Group C are typically found on central chromosome clusters. B. There is a recombination hot spot between subdomains 2 and 3 in the DBL domain of the PfEMP1 head structure. DC8 is an unusual chimeric gene between a group B and group A var gene. C. Different types of DBL and CIDR domains are located at the N- and C-terminus of proteins. Small PfEMP1 have four extracellular domains, large PfEMP1 have additional DBL domains after the head structure or the second DBL-CIDR structure.