Cellular Immune Mechanisms in Malaria.
Abstract
The cell-mediated immune defense mechanisms responsible for host resistance to malaria are poorly understood. We therefore examined Thai adults naturally infected with malaria with regards to: (1) the percentages of T, B, and Fc receptor bearing cells present during active infection; (2) the functional competence of the lymphocytes as judged by responsiveness to mitogens and cell surface antigens; and (3) serum from infected patients for the capability of suppressing normal lymphocyte function and for the presence of anti-lymphocytotoxic antibodies. In summary: (1) in adult Thai patients naturally infected with malaria, there is a real loss of circulating T lymphocytes with no real change in B or Fc receptor bearing lymphocytes and with no loss of lymphocyte function as judged by mitogenic and antigenic stimulation; (2) in the sera of patients infected with malaria, there are both functional suppressor capabilities and anti-lymphocytotoxic antibodies; and (3) the role of serum immunoregulatory capabilities in modulating the immune response of infected patients may be of importance in determining the chronicity of malaria infection as well as immunologically mediated complications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA128716
Entities
People
- Richard P. Macdermott
Organizations
- University of Washington