The spleen: “epicenter” in malaria infection and immunity
Debopam Ghosh, Jason S Stumhofer
Abstract
The spleen is a complex secondary lymphoid organ that plays a crucial role in controlling blood-stage infection with Plasmodium parasites. It is tasked with sensing and removing parasitized RBCs, erythropoiesis, the activation and differentiation of adaptive immune cells, and the development of protective immunity, all in the face of an intense inflammatory environment. This paper describes how these processes are regulated following infection and recognizes the gaps in our current knowledge, highlighting recent insights from human infections and mouse models.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyImmunologyImmunityMalariaImmune systemSpleenAcquired immune systemPlasmodium (life cycle)Lymphatic systemVirologyParasitic infectionInflammationAntigenPlasmodium falciparumMalaria Research and ControlPhagocytosis and Immune RegulationImmune responses and vaccinations