EXPRESSION OF FcγRIII, CR3, TNF-alpha AND NO PRODUCTION BY MONOCYTES

Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria is a major cause of childhood mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. A clear understanding of the factors that play a role in It''spathogenesis is essential for the development of effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Fc gamma receptor III (Fcγ RIII) on monocytes/macrophages may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe malarial anemia (SMA) by promoting phagocytosis of IgG-coated uninfected red cells and by allowing the production of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) upon cross-linking by immune complexes (ICs). However, phagocytosis via complement receptor 3 (CR3) suppresses pro-inflammatory monocyte functions such as NO production. Therefore, the expression levels of these receptors on monocytes/macrophages may influence degree of stimulation and determine individuals'' susceptibility to severe malaria. This study examined the expression of FcRIII and CR3 on monocytes of children with severe malarial anaemia, cerebral malaria, and their age and gender-matched uncomplicated malaria controls by flow cytometry.