Anannya Roy, Amity University Kolkata
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that torments mankind, caused by the parasite plasmodium. Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical research have understood how the body’s natural immunity can be manipulated to prevent malaria, bringing us one step closer to new potential therapy. The causative organism of this disease is Plasmodium vivax and is the main parasite responsible, all over the world. It is a single-celled organism but its structure is quite complex, with a wide variety of proteins that help them thrive and penetrate RBCs, reproduce and spread. They unlock the cells to enter with the help of a special protein called Adhesin.
One of the most important stages in the Plasmodium parasite’s life cycle is invading the Red blood cells (RBCs) of the host. The Scientists at WEHI studied how the natural antibodies present in our body can prevent and block these parasites from reaching the RBCs. This in turn will prevent the protozoan from completing its life cycle hence preventing the infection.
The mechanism by which these antibodies block the entry of Plasmodium vivax into the reticulocytes (young red blood cells) is quite well explained in the article. The protein through which P. vivax enters the cells is through transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1). The antibodies against the Adhesins are correlated to protection against the disease. Antibodies were extracted from people who had suffered from P. vivax infections in the past to study how human antibodies interact. There are different ways, one of them being preventing the parasite Adhesins from coming close to the membrane of the Reticulocyte. This research provided insights into not only how to prevent Plasmodium vivax but also Plasmodium falciparum. Further research is being done on how to develop a broadly neutralizing antibody that will target both species.
From the results we understand not only how the antibodies block infection but also how the immunity can be developed and how can this disease be detected in endemic populations. Currently, scientists are developing diagnostic tests with this knowledge to detect and treat those patients who have infection hidden within their spleen and liver. This work done by the researchers gives us all hope for a world free of malaria shortly.
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References: Chan, LJ., Gandhirajan, A., Carias, L.L. et al. Naturally acquired blocking human monoclonal antibodies to Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b. Nat Commun 12, 1538 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21811-2 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-21811-2
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