CR1 and malaria: falciparum exploits multiple host receptors during the process of red blood cell (RBC) invasion and in the subsequent sequestration of P. falciparum parasitised RBCs in the microvasculature.2 Understanding these host–parasite receptor–ligand interactions may help in the development of new methods for preventing and treating malaria.2 Complement receptor one (CR1) is a single-chain trans-membrane glycoprotein that is expressed on the surface of RBCs and leukocytes.