Characterization of migratory properties od dendritic cells exposed to malaria derived products.

At least 500 millions suffer from malaria each year and the infection with lasmodium falciparum (Pf) results in the death of one million children a year. A number of studies indicate that Pf can affect dendritic cell (DC) responses through the action of the malaria pigment hemozoin (HZ) and through adhesion of parasitized red blood cells to the cell surface. Our group has focused on investigating the migratory properties of DC during malaria infection. DC are specialized in iniatiating T-cell responses and DC trafficking is integral to their function. The migratory pattern of DC is defined by the surface -chemokine receptor (CCR) expression. As immature cells, DC express inflammatory CCR and patrol peripheral tissues. Upon encountering an antigen, a maturation process is initiated with upregulation of lymphoid CCR. This enable mature DC to migrate to the lymph nodes where they encounter naïve T-cells and activate them.