What the Study Found
Scientists found that TR1 cells, a subtype of CD4⁺ helper T-cells, play the most important role in fighting malaria reinfections.
This finding challenges the old belief that another cell type, TH1 cells, was mainly responsible.
TR1 cells show strong immune memory and respond specifically to the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf).
Why TR1 Cells Matter
Although TR1 cells make up only a small portion of immune cells at rest, they account for about 90% of the cells that respond to malaria.
These cells increase in number with each malaria infection and show strong "memory" by responding quickly during reinfection.
TR1 cells also help the body control malaria without causing too much damage, possibly allowing people to carry the parasite without symptoms.
How the Discovery Was Made
The study used single-cell RNA and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing to track immune cells in children and adults over multiple malaria infections.
It was a long-term (longitudinal) study, unlike earlier short-term ones, and provided more accurate, real-world insights.
The researchers used a "barcode" system to track how individual immune cells reacted and changed over time.
Why This Matters Beyond Malaria
This discovery could lead to better malaria vaccines that target or boost TR1 cells.
It may also help design host-directed therapies that tune the immune system rather than attack the virus or bacteria directly.
The findings could apply to other infectious diseases, opening new directions in vaccine and drug research.
COMMENTS