Acquisition of antibodies that block Plasmodium falciparum adhesion to placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A with increasing gravidity in Malian women.

ABSTRACT: In malaria-endemic areas, pregnant women are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum infection, especially primigravidae. During pregnancy, parasites sequester in the placenta and bind to the receptor chondroitin sulfate (CSA). This unique adhesion is mediated by the parasite protein VAR2CSA expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IE). Placental malaria is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes including perinatal mortality, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA) and low birthweight deliveries. Over successive pregnancies, women acquire functional antibodies that inhibit IE adhesion to CSA. Here, we examine the development of anti-adhesion activity and the breadth of anti-adhesion activity as a function of number of previous pregnancies, using samples collec

SUBMITTER: Mahamar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10808177 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature