Analysis of circumsporozoite protein-specific immune responses following recent infection with Plasmodium vivax.

Abstract

CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells are involved in immunity to the pre-erythrocytic stage of malaria. This study has been undertaken to define T cell epitopes on the Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and to analyze the early induction of immune response following infection. We identified CD4(+) and CD8(+) T epitopes recognized by different strains of mice as well as by humans. The CD4(+) T cell response in mice was found to be similar in all strains, but variation between strains was evident. Five H-2(d)-restricted CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, but no H-2(k)-or H-2(b)-restricted epitopes, could be defined. Non-H-2 genes were also able to regulate the response. In recently infected Thai adults, poor immunoresponsiveness was demonstrated. CTL activity and proliferative responses of T cells from malaria-exposed donors were very low. In contrast, exposed individuals had specific antibodies against the immunodominant repeats of both common strains of the P. vivax CSP; however, titers decreased following treatment.

• Authors: Chaisuree Suphavilai, Sornchai Looareesuwan, Michael F Good
• Journal: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene (Am J Trop Med Hyg) Vol. 71 Issue 1 Pg. 29-39 (Jul 2004) ISSN: 0002-9637 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15238685 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Protozoan
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
• Malaria Vaccines
• Protozoan Proteins
• circumsporozoite protein, Protozoan

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Antibodies, Protozoan (immunology)
• Epitope Mapping
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte (immunology)
• Humans
• Malaria Vaccines (chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Malaria, Vivax (immunology, prevention & control)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Plasmodium vivax (immunology)
• Protozoan Proteins (immunology)