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Published on: January 2, 2013
Changes in monocyte subsets are associated with clinical outcomes in severe malarial anaemia and cerebral malaria
Jade Royo1, Mouna Rahabi1, Claire Kamaliddin2
1PHARMADEV UMR 152, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France.
Abstract:
Monocytes are plastic heterogeneous immune cells involved in host-parasite interactions critical for malaria pathogenesis. Human monocytes have been subdivided into three populations based on surface expression of CD14 and CD16. We hypothesised that proportions and phenotypes of circulating monocyte subsets can be markers of severity or fatality in children with malaria. To address this question, we compared monocytes sampled in children with uncomplicated malaria, severe malarial anaemia, or cerebral malaria. Flow cytometry was used to distinguish and phenotype monocyte subsets through CD14, CD16, CD36 and TLR2 expression. Data were first analysed by univariate analysis to evaluate their link to severity and death. Second, multinomial logistic regression was used to measure the specific effect of monocyte proportions and phenotypes on severity and death, after adjustments for other variables unrelated to monocytes. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that decreased percentages of non-classical monocytes were associated with death, suggesting that this monocyte subset has a role in resolving malaria. Using univariate analysis, we also showed that the role of non-classical monocytes involves a mostly anti-inflammatory profile and the expression of CD16. Further studies are needed to decipher the functions of this sub-population during severe malaria episodes, and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Insights
Decreased non-classical monocytes in children with malaria correlate with a higher risk of death. These cells may play an anti-inflammatory role in resolving severe malaria infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Monocytes are crucial immune cells in host-parasite interactions, particularly in malaria pathogenesis.
- Human monocytes are classified into three subsets based on CD14 and CD16 surface markers.
- The role of monocyte subsets in malaria severity and fatality remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether circulating monocyte subset proportions and phenotypes serve as markers for malaria severity and fatality in children.
- To compare monocyte subsets in children with uncomplicated malaria, severe malarial anemia, and cerebral malaria.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was employed to analyze monocyte subsets using CD14, CD16, CD36, and TLR2 expression.
- Univariate analysis assessed the association between monocyte subsets and malaria outcomes (severity, death).
- Multinomial logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, adjusting for confounding variables.
Main Results:
- Multivariate analysis revealed that decreased percentages of non-classical monocytes were significantly associated with death in children with malaria.
- Univariate analysis indicated that non-classical monocytes exhibit an anti-inflammatory profile, characterized by CD16 expression.
- These findings suggest a potential protective role for non-classical monocytes in malaria resolution.
Conclusions:
- Non-classical monocytes may be important in resolving malaria, as their reduced proportion is linked to fatal outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to understand the specific functions and mechanisms of non-classical monocytes during severe malaria.
- Identifying the role of these monocyte subsets could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for severe malaria.
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