Open AccessDendritic cell biology during malaria
Author(s) -
Wykes Michelle,
Keighley Caitlin,
PinzonCharry Alberto,
Good Michael F.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
cellular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.542
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1462-5822
pISSN - 1462-5814
DOI - 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2006.00865.x
Subject(s) - biology , malaria , disease , immunology , immune system , context (archaeology) , infectious disease (medical specialty) , asymptomatic , cerebral malaria , acquired immune system , pathogenesis , plasmodium falciparum , medicine , pathology , paleontology
Summary Malaria is an infectious disease that causes serious morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease is associated with a variety of clinical syndromes ranging from asymptomatic to lethal infections involving anaemia, organ failure, pulmonary and cerebral disease. The molecular and cellular factors responsible for the differences in disease severity are poorly understood but parasite‐specific immune responses are thought to play a critical role in pathogenesis. Dendritic cells have an essential role in linking innate and adaptive immune responses and here we review their role in the context of malaria.