Gut Microbiota Composition Modulates the Magnitude and Quality of Germinal Centers during Plasmodium Infections.

ABSTRACT: Gut microbiota composition is associated with human and rodent Plasmodium infections, yet the mechanism by which gut microbiota affects the severity of malaria remains unknown. Humoral immunity is critical in mediating the clearance of Plasmodium blood stage infections, prompting the hypothesis that mice with gut microbiota-dependent decreases in parasite burden exhibit better germinal center (GC) responses. In support of this hypothesis, mice with a low parasite burden exhibit increases in GC B cell numbers and parasite-specific antibody titers, as well as better maintenance of GC structures and a more targeted, qualitatively different antibody response. This enhanced humoral immunity affects memory, as mice with a low parasite burden exhibit robust protection against challenge with a het

SUBMITTER: Waide ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7772993 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature