Naturally Acquired Humoral Immunity Against Plasmodium falciparum Malaria

S. Jake Gonzales, Raphael A. Reyes, Ashley E. Braddom, Gayani Batugedara, Sebastiaan Bol, Evelien M. Bunnik

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, with around 40% of the world’s population at risk of Plasmodium infections. The development of an effective vaccine against the malaria parasite would mark a breakthrough in the fight to eradicate the disease. Over time, natural infection elicits a robust immune response against the blood stage of the parasite, providing protection against malaria. In recent years, we have gained valuable insight into the mechanisms by which IgG acts to prevent pathology and inhibit parasite replication, as well as the potential role of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in these processes. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms, acquisition, and maintenance of naturally acquired immunity, and the relevance of these discoveries for the development of a potential vaccine against the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number594653
JournalFrontiers in immunology
Volume11
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 29 2020

Keywords

  • PfEMP1
  • antibody
  • merozoite
  • protection
  • vaccine
  • variant surface antigens

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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