CORRELATION BETWEEN BETA-2-MICROGLOBULIN AND SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR LEVELS IN PLASMA OF INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN A MALARIAL ENDEMIC REGION

Correlation between β2-microglobulin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in plasma of individuals living in a malarial endemic region. International Journal for Parasitology 20: 815-817. β2-Microglobulin (β2m) levels were related to the expected immunoprotection in 81 individuals living in a malarial mesoendemic area near Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), who were longitudinally followed. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were positively correlated to those of β2m (r = 0.44; n = 237; P < 0.001). This suggests that most of the β2m could have originated from activated T and B cell membrane turnover. In our study, both β2m and sIL-2R were inversely related to IgG antibodies (Ab) against somatic antigen of Plasmodium falciparum (Som-Ag). Therefore, these molecules at high levels could have a down regulating activity, directly or indirectly, on B cells producing this kind of Ab. © 1990.