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Effector mechanisms against asexual erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium

S Phillips1

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

Immunology Letters
|July 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils, along with cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), play a role in fighting parasites. Their exact mechanisms and contributions in vivo require further investigation for malaria control.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The role of macrophages/monocytes in parasite defense is primarily observed in vitro.
  • Activated macrophage products, particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), are linked to parasite killing.
  • Cytokines and other factors may access infected cells via intracellular channels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of various immune cells and mediators in combating parasitic infections.
  • To investigate the in vitro and in vivo evidence for cellular and humoral immune responses against parasites.
  • To clarify the contributions of cytokines, complement, and antibody isotypes in host defense.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • Analysis of the roles of macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells.
  • Examination of the effects of cytokines (TNF alpha, IFN gamma), nitric oxide, complement, and antibodies (IgG isotypes).

Main Results:

  • Activated macrophages produce TNF alpha, implicated in parasite killing.
  • TNF alpha can moderate parasite density and contribute to pathology.
  • Nitric oxide and nitrogen intermediates show protective roles both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Phagocytosis of infected cells and merozoites is enhanced by immune serum.
  • Neutrophil killing of parasites is boosted by immune serum and cytokines.
  • Antibody-dependent cellular inhibitory activity (ADCI) in P. falciparum involves IgG1 and IgG3.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple immune components, including macrophages, neutrophils, cytokines, and specific antibody isotypes, contribute to parasite control.
  • The precise in vivo mechanisms and the balance between protective and pathological effects require further elucidation.
  • Further research into antibody isotypes and their functions in different parasitic systems is warranted.

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