Malaria resistance genes are associated with the levels of IgG subclasses directed against <it>Plasmodium falciparum</it> blood-stage antigens in Burkina Faso

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>HBB, IL4, IL12</it>, <it>TNF, LTA, NCR3</it> and <it>FCGR2A</it> polymorphisms have been associated with malaria resistance in humans, whereas cytophilic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are t...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Afridi Sarwat, Atkinson Alexandre, Garnier Séverine, Fumoux Francis, Rihet Pascal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2012-09-01
Series:Malaria Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.malariajournal.com/content/11/1/308
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>HBB, IL4, IL12</it>, <it>TNF, LTA, NCR3</it> and <it>FCGR2A</it> polymorphisms have been associated with malaria resistance in humans, whereas cytophilic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies are thought to play a critical role in immune protection against asexual blood stages of the parasite. Furthermore, <it>HBB, IL4, TNF,</it> and <it>FCGR2A</it> have been associated with both malaria resistance and IgG levels. This suggests that some malaria resistance genes influence the levels of IgG subclass antibodies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study, the effect of <it>HBB, IL4, IL12</it>, <it>TNF, LTA, NCR3</it> and <it>FCGR2A</it> polymorphisms on the levels of IgG responses against <it>Plasmodium falciparum</it> blood-stage extract was investigated in 220 individuals living in Burkina Faso. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient among IgG subclasses was determined. A family-based approach was used to assess the association of polymorphisms with anti-<it>P. falciparum</it> IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 levels.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After applying a multiple test correction, several polymorphisms were associated with IgG subclass or IgG levels. There was an association of i) haemoglobin C with IgG levels; ii) the FcγRIIa H/R131 with IgG2 and IgG3 levels; iii) <it>TNF</it>-863 with IgG3 levels; iv) <it>TNF</it>-857 with IgG levels; and, v) <it>TNF</it>1304 with IgG3, IgG4, and IgG levels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Taken together, the results support the hypothesis that some polymorphisms affect malaria resistance through their effect on the acquired immune response, and pave the way towards further comprehension of genetic control of an individual’s humoral response against malaria.</p>
ISSN:1475-2875