Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
09:57
Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay
Published on: August 6, 2020
6.4K
Atypical memory B cell frequency correlates with antibody breadth and function in malaria immune adults
Frederica Dedo Partey1, Jasmine Naa Norkor Dowuona2, Abigail Naa Adjorkor Pobee2
1Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. fpartey@noguchi.ug.edu.gh.
Scientific Reports
|February 28, 2024
Summary
Repeated malaria infections increase antibody breadth but lower antibody avidity. Atypical memory B cells correlate with broader antibody responses, suggesting a trade-off in malaria immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Malariology
Background:
- Clinical immunity to malaria develops slowly and relies on antibodies.
- Chronic malaria exposure can disrupt B-cell homeostasis, leading to atypical memory B cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how B-cell perturbations affect antibody breadth, avidity, and function in individuals with natural malaria exposure.
- To understand the impact of malaria transmission intensity on immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Comparing antibody profiles and B-cell subsets in individuals from high and low malaria transmission regions in Ghana.
- Assessing Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigen-specific antibodies, antibody breadth, and avidity.
- Evaluating in vitro growth inhibition assays and their correlation with antibody characteristics.
Main Results:
- Individuals in high transmission areas had higher antigen-specific antibodies and broader antibody scores but lower avidity.
- Atypical memory B cell frequency was positively associated with antibody breadth.
- In vitro growth inhibition was linked to antibody reactivity breadth, not merozoite binding.
Conclusions:
- Repeated malaria infections impair high-avidity antibody development, compensated by increased antibody breadth.
- High malaria prevalence drives broader antibody diversity and maintains atypical memory B cell populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Immunological Memory
611
Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
611
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
1.7K
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
1.7K
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
72.7K
Overview
72.7K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
986
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
986
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
816
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
816
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
307
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
307