Memory B Cell Responses to Malaria Increase with Age
Author Information
Author(s): Sarah I. Nogaro, Julius C. Hafalla, Brigitte Walther, Edmond J. Remarque, Kevin K. A. Tetteh, David J. Conway, Eleanor M. Riley, Michael Walther
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
Hypothesis
Does the breadth of circulating memory B cell responses to P. falciparum increase with age in areas of low malaria transmission?
Conclusion
The study found that while the proportion of individuals with malaria-specific memory B cells and antibodies increased with age, the magnitude of these responses did not.
Supporting Evidence
- The proportion of individuals with malaria-specific memory B cells increased significantly with age.
- Malaria-specific antibody levels did not correlate with the prevalence of memory B cells.
- The median number of malaria-specific memory B cells was similar to that for diphtheria-specific memory B cells.
Takeaway
As people get older, they are more likely to have special cells in their blood that help fight malaria, but the strength of these cells doesn't get stronger.
Methodology
Two age-stratified cross-sectional surveys were conducted to measure circulating antibodies and memory B cells to four malarial antigens using ELISA and B cell ELISpot assays.
Limitations
The study was limited by the low transmission of malaria in the area, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were healthy volunteers from a Gambian village, stratified into six age categories.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%: 22.2 to 32.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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