Host iron deficiency protects against <i>Plasmodium</i> infection and drives parasite molecular reprofiling.

ABSTRACT: Iron deficiency, anemia, and Plasmodium infection are global health challenges with overlapping geographical distributions, particularly affecting pregnant women in Africa, yet the mechanisms underlying their interactions remain poorly understood. We used a multilayered approach combining clinical data from Malawian pregnant women (n = 711) in the REVAMP trial, a genetic mouse model [Tmprss6-knockout (KO)], and in vitro Plasmodium falciparum cultures to clarify iron-malaria associations. Iron deficiency was associated with 50% reduced P. falciparum parasitemia in pregnant women [95% CI (30 to 64%), P < 0.0001], while iron-deficient mice exhibited improved survival against P. berghei (median 15.5 days versus 7.0 days for WT mice) and protecti

SUBMITTER: Clucas D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12947883 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature