Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity among Plasmodium vivax salivary gland sporozoites

The malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium vivax poses a problem for eradication efforts due, in part, to its unique ability to form dormant liver stages known as hypnozoites. The molecular mechanisms underpinning this formation are largely unknown. Specifically, it is unclear whether a P. vivax sporozoite, the parasite's form prior to infecting the liver, is 'pre-programmed' to become a replicating schizont or a hypnozoite. In this study, we performed single-cell gene expression profiling of >10,000 P. vivax sporozoites from three Cambodian field isolates.