Immune cells cause severe malaria contraction

A subset of immune cells could be the cause of malaria patients getting a more severe form of the disease, a study has found.

Scientists led by Monash University found that a specific kind of cell is present in the bodies of sufferers of the severe form of malaria that is not inside other people.

The cell, called regulatory T (Treg) is able to reduce the effect of the immune system considerably, allowing the parasite to spread beyond control.

Immunologist professor Magdalena Plebansk of Monash University said: "Our results indicate that severe malaria is accompanied by the induction of highly suppressive Treg cells that can promote parasite growth and caution against the induction of these Treg cells when developing effective malaria vaccines.

"Targeting this cell type may lead to new drugs and immunotherapeutics against malaria. Further studies are needed to determine if this new cell may also be promoting severe forms of other inflammatory diseases."

World Malaria Day is being marked around the globe tomorrow (April 25th).

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