IL-12 producing monocytes and IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha producing T-lymphocytes are increased in placentas infected by Plasmodium falciparum.

Placental Plasmodium falciparum sequestration is associated with dysregulated immune function. Placental inflammatory responses via IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha are implicated in functional damage. However, they are needed during placental infection to control asexual stage parasites.

Red blood cell polymorphisms in relation to Plasmodium falciparum asymptomatic parasite densities and morbidity in Senegal.

Numerous studies have shown that several red blood cell polymorphisms protect against severe malaria. Such a relation is much less clear for mild malaria attacks and for the asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium falciparum. The impact of red blood cell polymorphisms on the level of parasite density was assessed in a group of 464 Senegalese children from the Sereer ethnic group, studied for 18 months.

Monocyte activation and T cell inhibition in Plasmodium falciparum-infected placenta.

Background: During healthy pregnancy, T helper (Th) 1-type and inflammatory-type responses are down-regulated, and Th2-type and proinflammatory-type responses predominate. In Plasmodium falciparum-infected females, these responses induce enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor- alpha and interferon- gamma.

Methods: To assess the respective implication of monocytes and T cells in this placental immunomodulation, we cocultured cells from delivering females living in an area where malaria is endemic.