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Summary Malaria represents a major cause of death from infectious disease. Hemozoin is a Plasmodium -derived product that contributes to progression of cerebral malaria. However, there is a gap of knowledge regarding how hemozoin is recognized by innate immunity. Myeloid C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) encompass a family of carbohydrate-binding receptors that act as pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity. In the present study, we identify the CLR CLEC12A as a receptor for hemozoin. Dendritic cell-T cell co-culture assays indicate that the CLEC12A/hemozoin interaction enhances CD8 + T cell cross-priming. Using the Plasmodium berghei Antwerpen-Kasapa (ANKA) mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), we find that CLEC12A deficiency protects mice from ECM, illustrated by reduced ECM incidence and ameliorated clinical symptoms. In conclusion, we identify CLEC12A as an innate sensor of plasmodial hemozoin.

Glypiation is a common posttranslational modification of eukaryotic proteins involving the attachment of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) glycolipid. GPIs contain a conserved phosphoglycan that is modified in a cell‐ and tissue‐specific manner. GPI complexity suggests roles in biological processes and effects on the attached protein, but the difficulties to get homogeneous material have hindered studies. We disclose a one‐pot intein‐mediated ligation (OPL) to obtain GPI‐anchored proteins. The strategy enables the glypiation of folded and denatured proteins with a natural linkage to the glycolipid. Using the strategy, glypiated eGFP, Thy1, and the Plasmodium berghei protein MSP1 19 were prepared. Glypiation did not alter the structure of eGFP and MSP1 19 proteins in solution, but it induced a strong pro‐inflammatory response in vitro. The strategy provides access to glypiated proteins to elucidate the activity of this modification and for use as vaccine candidates against parasitic infections.

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