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Researchers have shown that higher levels of Plasmodium falciparum antibodies protect against severe malaria in children living in Papua New Guinea. Children who have higher levels of antibodies to a specific short sequence of amino acids in the malaria parasite, P. falciparum have much lower rates of clinical and severe malaria . This sequence of amino acids, an antigen, is similar in P. falciparum strains elsewhere in the world, suggesting that this antigen would make a good target for a malaria vaccine. The research is published in Infection and Immunity a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
This work shows that people who lack immunity to the malaria parasite are more likely to have symptoms of malaria. Alyssa Barry, BSc (Hons), Ph.D., associate professor and group leader in the Division of Population and Immunity Health, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical, said that these people could be identified by their relative lack of antibodies. Research, Melbourne, Australia
This amino acid sequence, known to scientists as the ICAM1 binding motif, is critical to the virulence of the malaria parasite because it can bind to the smallest blood vessels in the body. brain, called microvasculature. There, the parasite remains hidden from the host's immune system, causing a serious case of cerebral malaria by blocking the blood vessels and causing inflammation. The ICAM1 binding motif may vary slightly in sequence and bind tightly, and it is a strong candidate for a vaccine target. (image: P. falciparum gametocytes )
In the study, researchers measured antibody responses to the ICAM1 binding motif. The subjects in this study were 187 children aged 1 to 3 years, from Papua New Guinea. Once the measures were taken, the researchers followed the children for 16 months to determine the incidence of malaria over time.
Antibody responses to the ICAM1 binding motif were associated with 37% fewer risks of high-density clinical malaria. top (A high parasite density in an infection is necessary, but not enough to cause a severe case of malaria.) Children who had severe cases of malaria during follow-up showed significantly lower levels of malaria. antibodies to these sequences.
More than 200 million cases of malaria occur each year and the disease kills an estimated 400,000 people a year, according to the report. Children are the hardest hit.
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