Antigenic variation and the generation of diversity in malaria parasites

► Antigenic variation enables parasites to avoid the antibody response of their host. ► The multi-copy var gene family of P. falciparum encodes variant surface antigens. ► Control of var gene expression depends on modifications to chromatin structure. ► Recombination between var genes leads to extensive sequence diversity. ► Chromatin structure and DSB repair likely contribute to var gene diversification.