Malaria parasite interactions with the human host

• Published in: Journal of postgraduate medicine (Bombay) Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. 30 - 34
• Main Author: Pouniotis DS, Proudfoot O, Minigo G, Hanley JL, Plebanski M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India 01-01-2004; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, CD; Case studies; Dendritic cells; Dendritic Cells - immunology; Development and progression; Host-Parasite Interactions - genetics; Host-Parasite Interactions - immunology; Host-Parasite Interactions - physiology; Human immunogenetics; Humans; Influence; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, genetics, dendritic cells, altered peptide ligand antagonism, vaccines; Parasite antigens; Parasite vaccines; Peptide Fragments; Plasmodium; Plasmodium - immunology; Plasmodium - physiology; Plasmodium falciparum - immunology; Plasmodium falciparum - parasitology; Protozoan Proteins - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; United States
• ISSN: 0022-3859; 0972-2823

The interaction between the malaria parasite and the human host
involves a number of interactions that result in the parasite evading
the human immune system. Since the stages of the malaria lifecycle are
complex, this allows the use of various immune evasion strategies by
the malaria parasite and has major implications in the development of a
vaccine for malaria endemic areas. The present review highlights key
host:parasite interactions. Plasmodia puts selection pressure on human
gene frequencies, and studies into host genetic factors such as the
Duffy blood group and sickle cell anaemia offer insight into the host-
parasite relationship. In addition, parasite interactions with the
different effector arms of the immune system can result in altered
peptide ligand (APL) antagonism which alters the immune response from a
pro- to an anti-inflammatory T cell response. Recent insights into the
interaction between professional antigen presenting cells, dendritic
cells (DCs), and malaria parasites is discussed in detail.