Properdin is a complement receptor of the alternative complement pathway stabilizing C3 and C5 convertases Thrombospondin and properdin are the receptors used in the initial infection of hepatocytes. From hepatocytes merozoites are released and these infect erytthrocytes via Sialic acid bound glycophorin residues {{ :general_pathology:infectious:plasmodium_falciparum_lifecycle.png?direct |}} {{ :general_pathology:infectious:p_faciparum_virulence.png?direct |}}