Deletion of the PM4 gene significantly attenuates the growth of asexual parasites.

<p><b>(A).</b> Box plots are showing the percentage parasitaemia in mice infected with the PM4_KO, PM7_KO or PM8_KO parasite line relative to the wild-type (WT) parasite line as measured on day four post parasite inoculation in the standard 4-day suppressive test. <b>(B).</b> Violin plots are showing the distribution of the parasites in mice infected with the PM4_KO, PM7_KO or PM8_KO parasite line relative to the wild-type (WT) parasite line as measured in the standard 4-day suppressive test. The PM4_KO parasites acquired a reduced growth rate phenotype (<i>P</i> = 0. 0.003), while the PM7_KO and PM8_KO parasites lines attained an increased growth rate phenotype.