Plasmodium falciparum parasites induce interferon production in human peripheral blood 'null' cells in vitro |
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| Authors: | L RÖNNBLOM E A OJO-AMAIZE H WIGZELL G V ALM †‡ |
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| Institution: | *Departments of Immunology;†Medical Virology, Biomedical Centre, University of Uppsala;‡Blood Centre, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | Summary Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were found to produce interferon (IFN) when stimulated by free P. falciparum parasites in vitro. On the other hand parasite-infected, intact erythrocytes were unable to induce IFN synthesis. When the IFN was characterized according to sensitivity to anti-IFN-α antibodies and pH 2 treatment it was found to consist of IFN-α. Cell fractionation procedures and analysis of each cell fraction with regard to natural killer (NK) cell activity and IFN-producing capacity revealed that both activities were confined to the same cell fraction. The possible relevance of the IFN-NK cell system in malaria is discussed. |
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| Keywords: | P falciparum interferon natural killer cell activity |
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