Platelets inhibit erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium falciparum at physiological platelet:erythrocyte ratios

To evaluate the effect of platelet:erythrocyte (P:E) ratios on Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte invasion.

Recent reports have shown that platelets are directly involved in the immune response towards P. falciparum during erythrocyte invasion. However, the literature both supports and conflicts with a role for platelets in limiting invasion. Also, the effect of platelet numbers on invasion (parasitemia) has not been thoroughly investigated.

The P. falciparum strains FCR3S1.2 and W2mef were cultured with group O erythrocytes. The cultures were synchronised and supplemented with pooled platelets at P:E ratios ranging from 1:100 to 1:2. Parasitemia was measured at 40 h by flow cytometry and by microscopy of blood smears.

A linear relationship was observed between reduced invasion and increased platelet numbers at P:E ratios ranging from 1:100 to 1:20. However, this effect was reversed at lower ratios (1:10-1:2). Microscopic evaluation revealed aggregation and attachment of platelets to erythrocytes, but not specifically to parasitised erythrocytes.

We have shown that under physiological P:E ratios (approx. 1:10-1:40), platelets inhibited P. falciparum invasion in a dose-dependent manner. At ratios of 1:10 and below, platelets did not further increase the inhibitory effect and, although the trend was reversed, inhibition was still maintained.