Methods for studying memory B cell immunity against malaria

Malaria Ags of importance for protective immunity are often highly diverse (polymorphic) and the induction of protective MBC- and antibody responses relies on repeated malaria exposure before MBC with broad reactivity to diverse Ags are induced. A new method will be developed for the analysis of Ag-specific MBC, using a method similar to ELISpot but based on fluorescent detection (Fluorospot). In contrast to ELISpot, Fluorospot will enable analysis of reactivity to multiple Ags simultaneously, as well as analyze cross-reactivity of single MBC with polymorphic variants of malaria Ags. Using the Fluorospot assay, the development of MBC responses to more conserved as well as highly diverse malaria Ags will be assessed in individuals exposed to primary as well as repeated malaria infections. The results should improve current knowledge on how the development of MBC reactive with broad panels of variable Ags relates to the acquisition and maintenance of protective immunity to malaria. Novel technology developed within the project will facilitate better studies of immunity to malaria but has also a potential as innovative technology for evaluation of MBC responses to polyvalent vaccines against malaria parasites and other pathogens.

Immunology

Feb 2015 — Feb 2019

$291,453

Sweden