The first immune barrier against malaria is identified

2024/01/16 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

A method has been found that allows early diagnosis of malaria and the development of effective treatments and vaccines, identifying the first response of the parasite Plasmodium (responsible for malaria) to the immune system.

In the collaborative work of researchers from centers in Ghana and Spain, the signature of the spontaneous immune system response dute.Alegia has been found, the proteins known for IgM antibodies, the first barrier of the immune system.

To do so, they have isolated antibodies from the serum of people with malaria and put them in contact with the proteins of the pathogen to find those they know. Thus, 110 proteins have been identified that respond to IgM antibodies.

This result allows advancing diagnosis, treatment and prevention. For example, to diagnose malaria before symptoms appear, through blood tests and to develop more effective treatments and vaccines, acting on the immune system's response.