Article
Immunology
Samuel Tassi Yunga, Naveen Bobbili, Yukie M. Lloyd, Jovikka Antallan, Masako Matsunaga, Isabella Quakyi, Rose F. G. Leke, Diane Wallace Taylor
Summary: In individuals with persistent antigenemia, antibody avidity to certain merozoite antigens increases with age, leading to a higher proportion of high-avidity antibodies for some antigens but not others. This affinity maturation occurs at different rates for different antigens, with some developing quickly before age 4 and others increasing gradually until adolescence or early adulthood.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric Kyei-Baafour, Mavis Oppong, Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, Abena Fremaah Frempong, Belinda Aculley, Fareed K. N. Arthur, Regis Wendpayangde Tiendrebeogo, Susheel K. Singh, Michael Theisen, Margaret Kweku, Bright Adu, Lars Hviid, Michael Fokuo Ofori
Summary: This study investigated differences in malaria-specific antibody responses across three transmission zones, with higher IgG responses to multiple malaria antigens in the Krachi district. The antigen PfRh2b was found to predict asymptomatic parasitemia in both Keta and Hohoe, suggesting its potential as a marker of malaria transmission intensity and pattern.
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Lara Bardtke, Ian A. Cockburn
Summary: Research shows that protective antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens can not only inhibit erythrocyte invasion, but also trigger antibody-dependent phagocytosis of infected and uninfected erythrocytes, providing new insights for malaria vaccine design.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aissata Barry, John Bradley, Will Stone, Moussa W. Guelbeogo, Kjerstin Lanke, Alphonse Ouedraogo, Issiaka Soulama, Issa Nebie, Samuel S. Serme, Lynn Grignard, Catriona Patterson, Lindsey Wu, Jessica J. Briggs, Owen Janson, Shehu S. Awandu, Mireille Ouedraogo, Casimire W. Tarama, Desire Kargougou, Soumanaba Zongo, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Matthias Marti, Chris Drakeley, Alfred B. Tiono, Teun Bousema
Summary: The study found that in children in Burkina Faso, chronic infections of Plasmodium falciparum have higher gametocyte production and mosquito infectivity. Incident infections typically require treatment before reaching a sufficient density of mature gametocytes to infect mosquitoes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Sean Jeffreys, James P. Chambers, Jieh-Juen Yu, Chiung-Yu Hung, Thomas Forsthuber, Bernard P. Arulanandam
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii is a drug-resistant bacteria that causes hospital-acquired infections, which have contributed to increased costs and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immune-based therapy, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, is a promising strategy to combat this pathogen.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Yang Yu, Ruoyun Li, Xiaozheng Yu, Yongqi Hu, Zongzhen Liao, Wensheng Li
Summary: This study investigates the effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) immersion on juvenile tilapia. The results show that NPY immersion can inhibit the expression of interleukin-1 beta induced by Streptococcus agalactiae, promote the expression of interleukin-10, decrease the activity of serum superoxide dismutase, and ameliorate tissue damage.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Ancha Baranova, Vikas Chandhoke, Alena V. Makarova, Boris Veytsman
Summary: The level of postvaccine protection relies on antibodies and T-cell responses. Recent studies suggest that antibodies may serve as a good indicator of protection, especially for SARS-CoV-2. Quantitative antibody analysis remains crucial for assessing protection against the disease.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Rajlakshmi Viswanathan, Sanjay Bafna, Kalyani Patil, Santoshkumar Jadhav, Savita Katendra, Shweta Mishra, Shradha Maheshwari, Hemant Damle
Summary: The study found that pregnant women who received pertussis vaccination during pregnancy had higher levels of protective antibodies in themselves and their newborns compared to those who did not receive the vaccine. The vaccination status and antibody levels of the mother influenced the protective antibody levels in the newborn at birth.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ivo Mueller, Amelie Vantaux, Stephan Karl, Moses Laman, Benoit Witkowski, Anais Pepey, Rebecca Vinit, Michael White, Alyssa Barry, James G. Beeson, Leanne J. Robinson
Summary: The Asia-Pacific International Center of Excellence in Malaria Research (ICEMR) is using various research approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of malaria transmission in Papua New Guinea and Cambodia. They have identified the challenges of forest-based transmission of malaria in Cambodia and the complex interactions between hosts, vectors, and parasites in Papua New Guinea.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Elaine Thai, Rajagopal Murugan, Spela Binter, Clare Burn Aschner, Katherine Prieto, Audrey Kassardjian, Anna S. Obraztsova, Ryu Won Kang, Yevel Flores-Garcia, Shamika Mathis-Torres, Kan Li, Gillian Q. Horn, Richard H. C. Huntwork, Judith M. Bolscher, Marloes H. C. de Bruijni, Robert Sauerwein, S. Moses Dennison, Georgia D. Tomaras, Fidel Zavala, Paul Kellam, Hedda Wardemann, Jean-Philippe Julien
Summary: IGHV3-33-encoded antibodies play a crucial role in the human immune response against Plasmodium falciparum. This study investigated the molecular basis of antibody cross-reactivity and its relationship with efficacy. The findings provide insights into the development of antibody-based interventions against malaria.
Article
Cell Biology
Maximilian Julius Lautenbach, Victor Yman, Carolina Sousa Silva, Nadir Kadri, Ioanna Broumou, Sherwin Chan, Sina Angenendt, Klara Sonden, David Fernando Plaza, Anna Farnert, Christopher Sundling
Summary: This study comprehensively profiles the immune system of patients with acute symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria over a year. The results indicate that a dampened inflammatory response is associated with reduced expansion of gamma delta T cells, early expansion of CD16(+) monocytes, and production of specific antibodies. This control of infection and reduction of inflammation suggest a potential mechanism for the establishment of tolerance following repeated malaria exposure.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jamille Gregorio Dombrowski, Andre Barateiro, Erika Paula Machado Peixoto, Andre Boler Claudio da Silva Barros, Rodrigo Medeiros de Souza, Taane Gregory Clark, Susana Campino, Carsten Wrenger, Gerhard Wunderlich, Giuseppe Palmisano, Sabrina Epiphanio, Ligia Antunes Goncalves, Claudio Romero Farias Marinho
Summary: The study showed that P. vivax malaria during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse gestational outcomes, such as premature birth and reduced head circumference in newborns. Placental histopathological characteristics, as well as angiogenic and inflammatory factors, were significantly different between infected and non-infected pregnant women. The presence of plasma IgG against PvMSP1(19) was a reliable marker of exposure but not associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Guus A. M. S. van Dongen, Wissam Beaino, Albert D. Windhorst, Gerben J. C. Zwezerijnen, Daniela E. Oprea-Lager, N. Harry Hendrikse, Cornelis van Kuijk, Ronald Boellaard, Marc C. Huisman, Danielle J. Vugts
Summary: The identification of molecular drivers of disease and the rise of biotherapeutics have impacted clinical care, but also presented challenges. The application of Zr-89-immuno-PET in drug development shows promise in guiding the design, development, and application of biologic drugs, with increasing potential for understanding drug-target combinations in clinical studies.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ibrar Ullah, Asifullah Khan, Muhammad Israr, Mohibullah Shah, Sulaiman Shams, Waliullah Khan, Muzafar Shah, Muhammad Siraj, Kehkashan Akbar, Tahira Naz, Sahib Gul Afridi
Summary: This study investigated the genomic diversity and allele frequencies of P. falciparum infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The results revealed high genetic diversity and presence of multiple clones in the infections in this region.
Article
Microbiology
Amy J. Schuh, Panayampalli S. Satheshkumar, Stephanie Dietz, Lara Bull-Otterson, Myrna Charles, Chris Edens, Jefferson M. Jones, Kristina L. Bajema, Kristie E. N. Clarke, L. Clifford McDonald, Sadhna Patel, Kendra Cuffe, Natalie J. Thornburg, Jarad Schiffer, Kelly Chun, Monique Bastidas, Manory Fernando, Christos J. Petropoulos, Terri Wrin, Suqin Cai, Dot Adcock, Deborah Sesok-Pizzini, Stanley Letovsky, Alicia M. Fry, Aron J. Hall, Adi V. Gundlapalli
Summary: This study assessed the neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations in unvaccinated individuals with detectable antibodies. The results showed that most unvaccinated individuals with prior infection had antibody concentrations that met or exceeded the levels associated with 70% vaccine efficacy against COVID-19. However, only a small proportion had antibody concentrations that met or exceeded the levels associated with 90% vaccine efficacy, suggesting that vaccination is beneficial for individuals with prior COVID-19 to maximize protection against the disease.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jonathan A. Abuga, Symon M. Kariuki, Amina Abubakar, Christopher Nyundo, Samson M. Kinyanjui, Michael Boele Van Hensbroek, Charles Rjc Newton
Summary: The study found a decrease in the overall prevalence of neurological impairments from 2001 to 2015, with significant changes in the associations with some risk factors. There was little geographical variation, indicating that similar interventions are suitable across the defined area.
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Melissa C. Kapulu, Domtila Kimani, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Edward Otieno, Rinter Kimathi, James Tuju, B. Kim Lee Sim
Summary: This study assessed the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity to malaria in Kenyan adults. The results showed that anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence were more closely associated with naturally acquired immunity than other parasite parameters. Therefore, the CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Barbara Oliveira Baptista, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Souza, Evelyn Kety Pratt Riccio, Cesare Bianco-Junior, Paulo Renato Rivas Totino, Joao Herminio Martins da Silva, Michael Theisen, Susheel Kumar Singh, Linda Eva Amoah, Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves, Rodrigo Medeiros Souza, Josue Costa Lima-Junior, Claudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro, Lilian Rose Pratt-Riccio
Summary: The GMZ2.6c malaria vaccine candidate was found to be widely recognized by naturally acquired antibodies from individuals living in malaria-endemic areas in Brazil. The presence of antibodies against GMZ2.6c suggests an additive effect of its components GLURP, MSP-3, and Pfs48/45. Moreover, individuals exposed to malaria infection predominantly had cytophilic anti-GMZ2.6c antibodies, which may contribute to parasite immunity.
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Alicia R. Martin, Rocky E. Stroud, Tamrat Abebe, Dickens Akena, Melkam Alemayehu, Lukoye Atwoli, Sinead B. Chapman, Katelyn Flowers, Bizu Gelaye, Stella Gichuru, Symon M. Kariuki, Sam Kinyanjui, Kristina J. Korte, Nastassja Koen, Karestan C. Koenen, Charles R. J. C. Newton, Ana Maria Olivares, Sam Pollock, Kristianna Post, Ilina Singh, Dan J. Stein, Solomon Teferra, Zukiswa Zingela, Lori B. Chibnik
Summary: This article presents the practical lessons learned from designing two multinational research and capacity-building programs (NeuroGAP-Psychosis research and GINGER training program) that prioritize equity, highlighting the experiences gained in these programs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fauzia K. Musasia, Irene N. Nkumama, Roland Frank, Victor Kipkemboi, Martin Schneider, Kennedy Mwai, Dennis O. Odera, Micha Rosenkranz, Kristin Fuerle, Domitila Kimani, James Tuju, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Melissa C. Kapulu, Hedda Wardemann, Faith H. A. Osier
Summary: The study shows that antibody-dependent phagocytosis of ring-stage P. falciparum parasites in semi-immune Kenyan adults is mediated by merozoite antigens and is a strong predictor of protection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Charles N. Agoti, Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier, Simon Dellicour, Khadija Said Mohammed, Arnold W. Lambisia, Zaydah R. de Laurent, John M. Morobe, Maureen W. Mburu, Donwilliams O. Omuoyo, Edidah M. Ongera, Leonard Ndwiga, Eric Maitha, Benson Kitole, Thani Suleiman, Mohamed Mwakinangu, John K. Nyambu, John Otieno, Barke Salim, Jennifer Musyoki, Nickson Murunga, Edward Otieno, John N. Kiiru, Kadondi Kasera, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Rashid Aman, Samson Kinyanjui, George Warimwe, My Phan, Ambrose Agweyu, Matthew Cotten, Edwine Barasa, Benjamin Tsofa, D. James Nokes, Philip Bejon, George Githinji
Summary: This study analyzed the transmission networks and patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in Coastal Kenya. The researchers identified multiple lineages of the virus during the two waves of infections, with some lineages specific to Kenya. Most of the infections belonged to the B.1 lineage, and Mombasa City played a significant role in virus importations. The study suggests shifting COVID-19 control strategies in the region to focus on reducing local transmission.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marco Vincenzo Lenti, Sarah Luu, Rita Carsetti, Faith Osier, Rodney Ogwang, Obiageli E. Nnodu, Ursula Wiedermann, Jo Spencer, Franco Locatelli, Gino Roberto Corazza, Antonio Di Sabatino
Summary: Asplenia and hyposplenism are common causes of morbidity and mortality. They increase susceptibility to infections, especially those caused by encapsulated bacteria. Early recognition and proper management of these conditions are crucial, including vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis.
NATURE REVIEWS DISEASE PRIMERS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nadia Tagoe, Justin Pulford, Sam Kinyanjui, Sassy Molyneux
Summary: This study examines the impact of management strategies on research capacity strengthening in health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) consortia. It finds that alignment between management strategies and capacity development principles enhances the effectiveness and value for money of consortia.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdou Khadre Dit Jadir Fall, David Courtin, Rafiou Adamou, Sofie Edslev, Anita Hansen, Nadia Domingo, Michael Christiansen, Bright Adu, Jacqueline Milet, Andre Garcia, Michael Theisen, Florence Migot-Nabias, Celia Dechavanne
Summary: This study investigated the influence of polymorphisms in the FCGR2A gene and the FCGR3B gene on malaria susceptibility and antibody responses in Beninese children. The results highlighted the impact of FCGR3B polymorphisms on individual susceptibility to malaria and antibody responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdou Khadre Dit Jadir Fall, Ikhlaq Hussain Kana, Celia Dechavanne, Asier Garcia-Senosiain, Evelyne Guitard, Jacqueline Milet, Achille Massougbodji, Andre Garcia, Jean-Michel Dugoujon, Florence Migot-Nabias, Michael Theisen, David Courtin
Summary: This study highlights the importance of IgG antibodies to merozoite surface antigens in controlling asymptomatic malaria infection in Beninese infants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the impact of G3m phenotypes on the functional activity of IgG, which could be valuable in the development of vaccines against malaria parasites or other pathogens.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdou Khadre Dit Jadir Fall, Ikhlaq Hussain Kana, Asier Garcia-Senosiain, Benoit Henry, Celia Dechavanne, Andre Garcia, Pierre Buffet, Audrey Sabbagh, Florence Migot-Nabias, Michael Theisen, David Courtin
Summary: This study explores a potential mechanism of natural protection against malaria in the Fulani population, suggesting that antibody-mediated merozoite phagocytosis may play a role. Results show that adults from the Bariba, Otamari, and Gando groups have higher levels of opsonic phagocytosis compared to children, while the Fulani population shows the opposite trend. Fulani children have higher levels of opsonic phagocytosis and anti-GLURP antibodies compared to non-Fulani children, with no significant difference observed in Fulani adults. Higher levels of opsonic phagocytosis before the malaria transmission season are associated with negative malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test results after the season.
Article
Immunology
Eric Kyei-Baafour, Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi, Fareed K. N. Arthur, Regis W. Tiendrebeogo, Eunice Owusu-Yeboa, Susheel K. Singh, Sarah Friedrich, Thomas A. Gerds, Daniel Dodoo, Michael Theisen, Bright Adu
Summary: Opsonic phagocytosis and antibody-mediated merozoite growth inhibition play protective roles against malaria in Ghanaian children, and they may act independently. Vaccines incorporating RON4 may benefit from both immune mechanisms.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Barbara de Oliveira Baptista, Ana Beatriz Lopes de Souza, Luana Santos de Oliveira, Hugo Amorim dos Santos de Souza, Jenifer Peixoto de Barros, Lucas Tavares de Queiroz, Rodrigo Medeiros de Souza, Linda Eva Amoah, Susheel Kumar Singh, Michael Theisen, Rodrigo Nunes Rodrigues-da-Silva, Evelyn Kety Pratt Riccio, Paulo Renato Rivas Totino, Josue da Costa Lima Junior, Claudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro, Lilian Rose Pratt-Riccio
Summary: The GMZ2.6c malaria vaccine candidate is a multi-stage protein that shows immunogenicity and immunodominance in individuals exposed to malaria. It contains fragments of Pfs48/45-6C protein fused to GMZ2, which consists of the N-terminal region of GLURP and the C-terminal region of MSP-3. The identified epitopes of GMZ2.6c, P11 and DG210, induced significant antibody responses and may play a role in the acquisition of protective immunity.
Article
Biology
Ebenezer Addo Ofori, Asier Garcia-Senosiain, Mohammad Naghizadeh, Ikhlaq Hussain Kana, Morten Hanefeld Dziegiel, Bright Adu, Subhash Singh, Michael Theisen
Summary: Blood phagocytes generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to infections. The study investigates how Fc gamma receptors induce ROS production in neutrophils, contributing to anti-malarial immunity. Both Fc gamma RIIIB and Fc gamma RIIA synergistically induce ROS production in neutrophils, involving NADPH oxidase 2 and the PI3K pathway. The high levels of neutrophil ROS are associated with protection against febrile malaria, highlighting the importance of the cooperation between anti-malarial IgG and neutrophils.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hannah W. Kimingi, Ann W. Kinyua, Nicole A. Achieng, Kennedy M. Wambui, Shaban Mwangi, Roselyne Nguti, Cheryl A. Kivisi, Anja T. R. Jensen, Philip Bejon, Melisa C. Kapulu, Abdirahman I. Abdi, Samson M. Kinyanjui, CHMI-SIKA Study Team
Summary: The breadth of IgG antibodies to VSAs, but not to individual isolate VSAs, is associated with protection in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)