Antibody levels to variant and conserved Plasmodium falciparum antigens predict reduction in parasite burden in Malian children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Proteins expressed on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) are targets of immunity. Previous studies described that IEs from young children are more readily recognized than IEs from older children. Here, we aimed to identify targets of naturally acquired antibodies that may play a role in protection from malaria.

Methods

We applied immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry (IP-MS) using plasma samples from susceptible and semi-immune children. We then investigated whether 1) antibody levels to membrane-associated proteins identified by IP-MS, or 2) PfEMP1s expressed in IEs of young children predict reduction in malaria disease.

Results

Significant reduction in risk of high parasite density infection was predicted b

SUBMITTER: Damena D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835252 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature