Blood group antigens and malaria susceptibility

Blood-group antigens are increasingly recognized as key modulators of malaria susceptibility. This review synthesizes current evidence on how erythrocyte surface molecules shape parasite invasion, cytoadherence, immune evasion, and disease severity. We focus on a curated set of systems, ABO, Duffy, MNS, Gerbich, Knops, Diego, and others, and outline their molecular mechanisms affecting malaria. Population heterogeneity, parasite-host adaptations/counter-adaptations, and clinical implications for risk stratification, transfusion safety, and vaccine design are also discussed.