Malaria in pregnancy: pathogenesis and immunity

Stephen J Rogerson, Lars Hviid, Patrick E Duffy, Rose F G Leke, Diane W Taylor

436 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Understanding of the biological basis for susceptibility to malaria in pregnancy was recently advanced by the discovery that erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum accumulate in the placenta through adhesion to molecules such as chondroitin sulphate A. Antibody recognition of placental infected erythrocytes is dependent on sex and gravidity, and could protect from malaria complications. Moreover, a conserved parasite gene-var2csa-has been associated with placental malaria, suggesting that its product might be an appropriate vaccine candidate. By contrast, our understanding of placental immunopathology and how this contributes to anaemia and low birthweight remains restricted, although inflammatory cytokines produced by T cells, macrophages, and other cells are clearly important. Studies that unravel the role of host response to malaria in pathology and protection in the placenta, and that dissect the relation between timing of infection and outcome, could allow improved targeting of preventive treatments and development of a vaccine for use in pregnant women.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftThe Lancet Infectious Diseases
Vol/bind7
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)105-17
Antal sider13
ISSN1473-3099
DOI
StatusUdgivet - feb. 2007
Udgivet eksterntJa

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