Increased circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in vivax malaria and severe falciparum malaria

Published: September 6, 2022

Citation

Leonardo L, Kenangalem E, Poespoprodjo JR, Noviyanti R, Price RN, Anstey NM, Minigo G, Kho S. Increased circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in vivax malaria and severe falciparum malaria. Malar J. 2022 Sep 6;21(1):255. doi: 10.1186/s12936-022-04268-6. PMID: 36068577; PMCID: PMC9446641.

Abstract

Background: Circulating myeloid-derived-suppressor-cells (MDSC) with immunosuppressive function are increased in human experimental Plasmodium falciparum infection, but have not been studied in clinical malaria.

Methods: Using flow-cytometry, circulating polymorphonuclear-MDSC were evaluated in cryopreserved samples from patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax (n = 8) and uncomplicated (n = 4) and severe (n = 16) falciparum malaria from Papua, Indonesia.

Results: The absolute number of circulating polymorphonuclear-MDSC were significantly elevated in severe falciparum malaria patients compared to controls (n = 10). Polymorphonuclear-MDSC levels in uncomplicated vivax malaria were also elevated to levels comparable to that seen in severe falciparum malaria.

Conclusion: Control of expansion of immunosuppressive MDSC may be important for development of effective immune responses in falciparum and vivax malaria.