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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay

Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay

Published on: August 6, 2020

Malaria in pregnancy: pathogenesis and immunity.

Stephen J Rogerson¹, Lars Hviid, Patrick E Duffy

¹Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. sroger@unimelb.edu.au

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases

|January 26, 2007

Summary

Malaria in pregnancy involves Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte adhesion to the placenta. Understanding host responses and parasite factors like VAR2CSA is key for developing effective vaccines and treatments for pregnant women.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Parasitology
Obstetrics

Background:

Malaria during pregnancy poses significant risks, leading to complications like anemia and low birthweight.
Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes adhere to chondroitin sulfate A in the placenta, a key mechanism in placental malaria.
The parasite gene var2csa is linked to placental malaria, indicating its potential as a vaccine target.

Purpose of the Study:

To advance the understanding of the biological basis of malaria susceptibility in pregnant women.
To investigate the role of host immune responses and parasite factors in placental malaria pathogenesis and protection.
To identify potential targets for improved preventive strategies and vaccine development.

Main Methods:

Investigated erythrocyte adhesion mechanisms in the placenta.
Analyzed antibody recognition patterns related to host sex and gravidity.
Associated the parasite gene var2csa with placental malaria.
Examined the role of inflammatory cytokines in placental immunopathology.

Main Results:

Erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum adhere to placental molecules like chondroitin sulfate A.
Antibody recognition of infected erythrocytes is influenced by host factors, suggesting protective roles.
The var2csa gene product is a potential vaccine candidate for placental malaria.
The contribution of placental immunopathology to anemia and low birthweight requires further elucidation.

Conclusions:

Understanding host-parasite interactions in the placenta is crucial for combating malaria in pregnancy.
VAR2CSA presents a promising target for a placental malaria vaccine.
Further research into host responses and infection timing is needed to optimize interventions and vaccine strategies for pregnant women.