Autoantibodies inhibit Plasmodium falciparum growth and are associated with protection from clinical malaria.
Immunity
; 57(8): 1769-1779.e4, 2024 Aug 13.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38901428
ABSTRACT
Many infections, including malaria, are associated with an increase in autoantibodies (AAbs). Prior studies have reported an association between genetic markers of susceptibility to autoimmune disease and resistance to malaria, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we performed a longitudinal study of children and adults (n = 602) in Mali and found that high levels of plasma AAbs before the malaria season independently predicted a reduced risk of clinical malaria in children during the ensuing malaria season. Baseline AAb seroprevalence increased with age and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection. We found that AAbs purified from the plasma of protected individuals inhibit the growth of blood-stage parasites and bind P. falciparum proteins that mediate parasite invasion. Protected individuals had higher plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity against 33 of the 123 antigens assessed in an autoantigen microarray. This study provides evidence in support of the hypothesis that a propensity toward autoimmunity offers a survival advantage against malaria.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Plasmodium falciparum
/
Autoantibodies
/
Immunoglobulin G
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Malaria, Falciparum
Limits:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Child
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Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
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Infant
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Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
Immunity
Journal subject:
ALERGIA E IMUNOLOGIA
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States