Abstract
The most unique characteristic of a parasite when it is in its normal host is the ability to make itself tolerated, which clearly indicates that it has sophisticated means to ensure the neutrality of its host. This is true also in the case of Plasmodium falciparum, since after numerous malaria attacks an equilibrium is reached with a chronic stage of infection, characterized by a relatively low parasitemia, and low or no disease (Sergent & Parrot 1935). We shall briefly review the main characteristics of this state of "premunition", and present data suggesting that the underlying mechanisms of defense rely on the cooperation between cell and antibodies, leading to an antibody dependent cellular inhibition of the intra-erythrocytic growth of the parasite.
malaria; Plasmodium falciparum; immunity; premunition
Immune mechanisms underlying the premunition against Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Jean Louis Pérignon1
Pierre Druilhe1
Institut Pasteur, Laboratorie de Parasitologie Bio-Médicale, Paris, France
The most unique characteristic of a parasite when it is in its normal host is the ability to make itself tolerated, which clearly indicates that it has sophisticated means to ensure the neutrality of its host. This is true also in the case of Plasmodium falciparum, since after numerous malaria attacks an equilibrium is reached with a chronic stage of infection, characterized by a relatively low parasitemia, and low or no disease (Sergent & Parrot 1935). We shall briefly review the main characteristics of this state of "premunition", and present data suggesting that the underlying mechanisms of defense rely on the cooperation between cell and antibodies, leading to an antibody dependent cellular inhibition of the intra-erythrocytic growth of the parasite.
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Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
15 June 2009 -
Date of issue
1994
