Splenic clearance of rigid erythrocytes as an inherited mechanism for splenomegaly and natural resistance to malaria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In malaria-endemic areas, subjects from specific groups like Fulani have a peculiar protection against malaria, with high levels of IgM but also frequent anaemia and splenomegaly. The mechanisms underlying this phenotype remain elusive.

Methods

In a cohort study set up in Benin, West Africa, after a careful evaluation of malaria-related phenotypes, we measured the deformability of circulating erythrocytes in genetically distinct groups (including Fulani) living in sympatry, using ektacytometry and microsphiltration, a mimic of how the spleen clears rigid erythrocytes. Heritability of erythrocytes deformability was calculated, followed by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the same phenotype.

Findings

Compared to non-Fulani, Fulani displayed a higher

SUBMITTER: Henry B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9297103 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature