Cellular Immune Mechanisms in Malaria.
Abstract
The cell-mediated immune defense mechanisms responsible for host resistance to malaria are poorly understood. We have therefore examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum from Thai adults naturally infected with malaria in order to determine: (1) the percentages of T, B, Null, and Fc receptor bearing cells present during active infection, (2) the functional competence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells form infected individuals as judged by responsiveness to mitogens and cell surface antigens, (3) the effect of serum from infected patients on normal mononuclear cell function, and (4) the incidence and specificities of lymphocytotoxic antibodies present in the sera of malaria patients. In comparison to healthy controls, both the percentage and concentration of peripheral T cells were decreased in individuals infected with P. falciparum and P, vivax. The percentages of peripheral B cells and Nulls cells were increased but their concentrations were unchanged. Both the percentage and concentration of lymphocytes bearing Fc receptors were unchanged in infected individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited normal responsiveness to the mitogens PHA, Con A, PWM, and to allogeneic cell surface antigens despite the decrease in T cell number. Sera from patients infected with malaria inhibited PHA and Con A but not PWM induced mitogenesis by normal cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA132460
Entities
People
- Richard P. Macdermott Jr
Organizations
- University of Washington