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Human immune responses to the Plasmodium falciparum ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (Pf155/RESA) after a
F Migot1, C Chougnet, L Raharimalala
1INSERM U13/Institut de Medecine et d'Epidemiologie Africaines, Hopital Claude Bernard, Paris, France.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum malaria antigens decreased in Madagascar villagers after an outbreak. Residual immunity and low transmission likely explain the persistence of these immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Tropical Medicine
- Malariology
Background:
- A Plasmodium falciparum malaria outbreak occurred in Madagascar's central highlands in 1986-1987.
- Following the outbreak, malaria transmission significantly decreased since 1989.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate humoral and cellular immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) peptides.
- To assess changes in immune responses compared to previous measurements.
Main Methods:
- Studied 53 inhabitants of Manarintsoa village in April 1991.
- Assessed T-cell responses via lymphocyte proliferation, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-2 production.
- Detected anti-RESA antibodies using modified immunofluorescent assay.
Main Results:
- Cellular immune responses to RESA peptides were generally low and showed no correlation across tests.
- Anti-RESA peptide antibody levels were low, and anti-RESA antibodies remained unchanged.
- Compared to 1988 data, immune responses to three peptides decreased in proliferation and antibody titers.
Conclusions:
- Decreased cellular and humoral responses to major RESA epitopes suggest waning immunity.
- The persistence of these responses indicates residual immunity from the outbreak and ongoing low-level transmission.