The regulation of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in the context of Plasmodium falciparum infection

Activation-Induced cytidine Deaminase (AID) initiates two important immunoglobulin gene modification processes in B lymphocytes; somatic hypermutation (SHM) and Class Switch Recommendation (CSR). Despite this important function, the aberrant expression of AID is associated with a number of cancers. Although the regulation of AID is strict and complex, there is evidence that Plasmodium falciparum infections can lead to a deregulated expression of the enzyme. It is not known how infection with the malaria parasite mediate this deregulated expression and activity.

In conclusion, enhanced AID transcription in GC B lymphocytes from Ghanaian tonsils was associated with elevated levels of Pax5, HoxC4, Bcl6, Bach2 and Irf8, as well as the down-regulation of miR155 and the expression of AID alternative splice variants. P. falciparum infection is associated with increased levels of AID and Pax5 transcripts in both asymptomatic and SMA children. This study is the first to document the effect of asymptomatic and acute P. falciparum infection on the transcriptional regulatory patterns of AID.

Project details

Asymptomatic Reservoir
Basic Science

Jul 2019 — Jun 2021

Ghana