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European Cytokine Network

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Interleukin-21 is associated with IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies to erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 peptide 4 of Plasmodium falciparum in Gabonese children with acute falciparum malaria Volume 19, numéro 1, March 2008

Auteurs
Medical Research Unit, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon, Department of Parasitology, Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, Département de Parasitologie, Mycologie, Médecine Tropicale, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a newly described, typical, four-helix cytokine showing significant homology with IL-2, IL-4 and IL-15. It regulates IgG1 production and co-operates with IL-4 in the production of multiple antibody classes in vivo. IgG1 and IgG3 are critically involved in the development of clinical immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the mechanisms driving class-switch recombination towards these specific isotypes remain to be elucidated. Seventy-three children with P. falciparum-positive, thick blood smears were recruited from the pediatric wards of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital and the General Hospital in Lambaréné. Children were grouped into two categories according to age: group A (1 to 5 years old) and group B (6 to 16 years old). Patients with severe (severe anemia and/or hyperparasitemia) and mild malaria were enrolled. Prevalence and level of IL-21, total IgG and subclass (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) titers were determined in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma IL-21 levels correlated with IgG1 and IgG3 levels. Additionally, plasma IL-21 levels correlated with hemoglobin levels in younger children and with parasite density. Here we describe the relationship between IL-21 and antibodies for erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 (EBA-175) peptide 4, a malaria vaccine candidate in Gabonese children with acute falciparum malaria. This study provides new insights into the field of malaria.