Malaria parasite interactions with the human host
Pouniotis, D.S.; Proudfoot, O.; Minigo, G.; Hanley, J.L.; Plebanski, M.
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 50(1): 30-34
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3859 PMID: 15047996 Document Number: 264343
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 life cycle 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 put selection pressure on human gene frequencies, and studies into host genetic factors such as the Duffy blood group and sickle cell anaemia offer insights 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 antigen presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and malaria parasites are discussed.