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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay
Published on: August 6, 2020
Characterization of a Plasmodium falciparum macrophage-migration inhibitory factor homologue
Damien V Cordery1, Uday Kishore, Sue Kyes
1Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK.
Background:
Macrophage-migration inhibitory factor (MIF), one of the first cytokines described, has a broad range of proinflammatory properties. The genome sequencing project of Plasmodium falciparum identified a parasite homologue of MIF. The protein is expressed during the asexual blood stages of the parasite life cycle that cause malarial disease. The identification of a parasite homologue of MIF raised the question of whether it affects monocyte function in a manner similar to its human counterpart.
Methods:
Recombinant P. falciparum MIF (PfMIF) was generated and used in vitro to assess its influence on monocyte function. Antibodies generated against PfMIF were used to determine the expression profile and localization of the protein in blood-stage parasites. Antibody responses to PfMIF were determined in Kenyan children with acute malaria and in control subjects.
Results:
PfMIF protein was expressed in asexual blood-stage parasites, localized to the Maurer's cleft. In vitro treatment of monocytes with PfMIF inhibited random migration and reduced the surface expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, and CD86.
Conclusions:
These results indicate that PfMIF is released during blood-stage malaria and potentially modulates the function of monocytes during acute P. falciparum infection.
Insights
Plasmodium falciparum MIF (PfMIF) inhibits monocyte migration and reduces key surface receptors during malaria. This suggests PfMIF plays a role in modulating immune responses during acute P. falciparum infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key proinflammatory cytokine.
- A homologue of MIF has been identified in Plasmodium falciparum (PfMIF), expressed during asexual blood stages.
- The function of PfMIF in modulating host immune cells, specifically monocytes, remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional impact of Plasmodium falciparum MIF (PfMIF) on monocyte behavior.
- To determine the expression and localization of PfMIF in blood-stage malaria parasites.
- To assess host immune responses to PfMIF in individuals with malaria.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant PfMIF was synthesized for in vitro monocyte assays.
- Antibodies against PfMIF were generated to study its expression and localization in P. falciparum.
- Antibody responses to PfMIF were measured in Kenyan children with acute malaria.
Main Results:
- PfMIF protein is expressed by asexual blood-stage parasites and localized to Maurer's cleft.
- In vitro exposure to PfMIF inhibited random monocyte migration.
- PfMIF treatment reduced the surface expression of Toll-like receptor 2, Toll-like receptor 4, and CD86 on monocytes.
Conclusions:
- PfMIF is released during blood-stage malaria.
- PfMIF has the potential to modulate monocyte function during acute P. falciparum infection.
- These findings highlight a potential mechanism by which malaria parasites interfere with host immunity.
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