Protection by alpha-thalassaemia against Plasmodium falciparum malaria: modified surface antigen expression rather than impaired growth or cytoadherence.

Journal article

We have attempted to determine the cellular mechanism by which alpha-thalassaemia may protect against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Invasion and development of P. falciparum in the microcytic red cells of two-gene deletion forms of alpha-thalassaemia when measured morphologically or by [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation were normal compared to controls. Normal invasion rates were also observed following schizogony in thalassaemic red cells. Neither the addition of the oxidant menadione, 30% oxyg...

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Authors: Luzzi, G; Merry, A; Newbold, C; Marsh, K; Pasvol, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Immunology letters
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 233-240
• Publication date: 1991-10-01
• DOI: 10.1016/0165-2478(91)90031-5
• EISSN: 1879-0542
• ISSN: 0165-2478
• Language: English
• Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum; Animals; Malaria, Falciparum; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Antigens, Protozoan; Oxygen Consumption; Antigens, Surface; Thalassemia; Vitamin K; Erythrocytes