The role of the red blood cell in host defence against falciparum malaria: an expanding repertoire of evolutionary alterations.

Br J Haematol

MRC International Nutrition Group at Keneba, MRC Unit The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.

Published: November 2017

The malaria parasite has co-evolved with its human host as each organism struggles for resources and survival. The scars of this war are carried in the human genome in the form of polymorphisms that confer innate resistance to malaria. Clinical, epidemiological and genome-wide association studies have identified multiple polymorphisms in red blood cell (RBC) proteins that attenuate malaria pathogenesis. These include well-known polymorphisms in haemoglobin, intracellular enzymes, RBC channels, RBC surface markers, and proteins impacting the RBC cytoskeleton and RBC morphology. A better understanding of how changes in RBC physiology impact malaria pathogenesis may uncover new strategies to combat the disease.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5922454PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjh.14886DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

red blood
8
blood cell
8
malaria pathogenesis
8
rbc
6
malaria
5
role red
4
cell host
4
host defence
4
defence falciparum
4
falciparum malaria
4

Similar Publications

Erythropoiesis, a remarkably dynamic and efficient process responsible for generating the daily quota of red blood cells (approximately 280 ± 20 billion cells per day), is crucial for maintaining individual health. Any disruption in this pathway can have significant consequences, leading to health issues. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 25% of the global population presents symptoms of anemia.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hemolytic anemia (HA) is characterized by massive destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) and insufficient oxygen supply, which can lead to shock, organ failure, even death. Recent studies have preliminarily demonstrated the therapeutic effectiveness of whole blood exchange (WBE) in the management of acute hemolytic anemia and exhibited potential for reducing the duration of corticosteroid treatment, while the underlying mechanism of WBE therapy was not investigated in preclinical study. Hence, we investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of WBE in HA through established continued WBE therapy in rats creatively.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Tranexamic acid is an anti-fibrinolytic agent routinely used during hip and knee joint replacement surgery to minimize bleeding. Chronic kidney disease is a common chronic health problem seen among adults requiring major arthroplasty surgery. Tranexamic acid is renally cleared and may accumulate in chronic kidney disease.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Hemoglobin (Hb) Hekinan is a prevalent α-globin variant frequently missed in thalassemia screening centers using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary electrophoresis. This study aims to investigate the hematological and molecular characteristics of Hb Hekinan in a large cohort.

Methods: Hb variants were identified using isoelectric focusing (IEF) and HPLC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The severity of COVID 19 symptoms has a direct correlation with lymphopenia, affecting natural killer (NK) cells. SARS-CoV-2 specific "memory" NK cells obtained from convalescent donors can be used as cell immunotherapy. In 2022 a phase I, dose-escalation, single center clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the infusion of CD3/CD56 NK cells against moderate/severe cases of COVID-19 (NCT04578210).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!