A significant proportion of Plasmodium falciparum proteins are being exported to the cytoplasm of the host red blood cell. On their way from the parasite to the red blood cell these proteins have to transverse several membranes. In order to cross the membranes the proteins have to be unfolded, translocated and refolded again on the other side.

Molecular chaperones play a role in the folding/unfolding process and in the assembly of proteins in higher order complexes. In addition chaperones might play a role in the protection of the parasite during febrile episodes. Our aim is to elucidate the role and machinery of these proteins.