Characterization and gene expression analysis of the cir multi-gene family of plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi (AS)
Abstract Background The pir genes comprise the largest multi-gene family in Plasmodium, with members found in P.vivax, P.knowlesi and the rodent malaria species.Despite comprising up to 5% of the genome, little is known about the functions of the proteins encoded by pir genes.P.chabaudi causes chronic infection in mice, which may be due to antigeni