The presence of duffy-binding-like domains defines the family of erythrocyte binding-like proteins (EBL), a family of cell invasion proteins universal among Plasmodium. These other members may use some other receptor, for example Glycophorin A. The other universal invasion protein is reticulocyte binding protein homologs.[3] Both families are essential for cell invasion, as they function cooperatively.[4]
^Adams JH, Hudson DE, Torii M, Ward GE, Wellems TE, Aikawa M, Miller LH (October 1990). "The Duffy receptor family of Plasmodium knowlesi is located within the micronemes of invasive malaria merozoites". Cell. 63 (1): 141–53. doi:10.1016/0092-8674(90)90295-P. PMID2170017.