A set of 43 candidate ligand gene loci with dN/dS ratios for three phylogenetically independent Plasmodium species pairs (Pf/Pr, Pv/Pk and Py/Pb)

B = binding assay. IIA = invasion inhibition assay. D = gene disruption experiment which either (a) could not produce viable parasites in asexual culture; (b) reduced or abolished the traversal of cell membranes or tissue layers; (c) abolished receptor binding; or (d) reduced fertilization. SE/AE/IES = surface/apical/infected erythrocyte surface expression at (s) sporozoite, (m) merozoite, (g) gametocyte, or (o) ookinete stage. -n unambiguous orthologues could not be identified in one or both species; -p orthology could not be resolved among alternative possible orthologues. For each gene a maximum of three references are given. Twelve other candidate ligand loci could not be analysed due to complex sequence evolution (see Methods).