Work

Innate immunity to malaria—The role of monocytes

Year: 2019

Type: review

Abstract: Monocytes are innate immune cells essential for host protection against malaria. Upon activation, monocytes function to help reduce parasite burden through phagocytosis, cytokine production, and antigen presentation. However, monocytes have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of severe disease through production of damaging inflammatory cytokines, resulting in systemic inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Understanding the molecular pathways influencing the balance between protection and pathology is critical. In this review, we discuss recent data regarding the role of monocytes in human malaria, including studies of innate sensing of the parasite, immunometabolism, and innate immune training. Knowledge gained from these studies may guide rational development of novel antimalarial therapies and inform vaccine development.

Source: Immunological Reviews

DOI: 10.1111/imr.12830

Authors: Katherine R. Dobbs, Juliet N. Crabtree, Arlene E. Dent

Institutions: Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases