Cellular immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum antigens in Gambian children during and after an acute attack of falciparum malaria
Riley, E.M.; Andersson, G.; Otoo, L.N.; Jepsen, S.; Greenwood, B.M.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 73(1): 17-22
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 3139343 Document Number: 310127
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 63 Gambian children with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria were examined for lymphoproliferation and interferon-.gamma. (IFN) production in response t stimulation by mitogens, malaria antigens and other soluble antigens. Mitogen or Candida-induced proliferation was not depressed during acute infection but was enhanced 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. Responses to partially purified soluble P. falciparum antigens were minimal or absent in all children in the acute phase but approximately 50% of the children responded by proliferation or IFN-.gamma. production during the 2 to 8 week convalescent period. These proliferative responses were severely depressed in the presence of the patient's own serum. Nine children with significant convalescent phase proliferative responses were re-examined several months after acute infection. Of these, four remained responsive for at least 8 months in the probable absence of reinfection.