Discussion
Our model represents a powerful tool to study BM function and the interplay essential for parasite transmission in P. falciparum malaria and can be extended to study other infections in which the human BM plays a role.
Methods
We report a novel experimental system based on the infusion of immature P. falciparum gametocytes into immunocompromised mice carrying chimeric ectopic ossicles whose stromal and bone compartments derive from human osteoprogenitor cells.
Results
We demonstrate that immature gametocytes home within minutes to the ossicles and reach the extravascular regions, where they are retained in contact with different human BM stromal cell types.