In summary, the results show that 1) naturally acquired αIE antibodies carried before controlled infection with NF54 strain PfSPZ appear to protect preferentially against Group A, and DC8-like var gene expression 2) expression of a var gene predicted to encode a DC8-like PfEMP1 similar to 3D7 PFD0020c, was associated with higher PMR after CHMI. Here, NSL1 is linked to infection.