Kinetics of B Cell Responses to Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 in Ghanaian Women Naturally Exposed to Malaria Parasites

摘要: Naturally acquired protective immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria takes years develop. It relies mainly on Abs, particularly IgG specific for erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) proteins the infected surface. is only partially understood why acquisition of clinical protection develop, but it probably involves a range immune-evasive parasite features, not least which are PfEMP1 polymorphism and clonal variation. Parasite-induced subversion immunological memory expansion “atypical” B cells may also contribute. In this first, our knowledge, longitudinal study its kind, we measured cell subset composition, as well PfEMP1-specific Ab levels frequencies, in Ghanaian women followed from early pregnancy up y after delivery. Cell phenotypes Ag-specific function were assessed three times during pregnancy. Levels pregnancy-restricted, VAR2CSA-type increased markedly declined delivery, whereas two restricted did not. Changes VAR2CSA-specific frequencies showed typical primary induction among primigravidae recall multigravidae, by contraction postpartum all. No systematic changes other identified. The analysis confirmed earlier reports high atypical residents P. falciparum–endemic areas, indicated an additional effect Our provides new knowledge regarding underpins efforts develop PfEMP1-based vaccines against disease.