TH1-Polarized TFH Cells Delay Naturally-Acquired Immunity to Malaria

Humoral immunity is a critical effector arm for protection against malaria but develops only slowly after repeated infections. T cell-mediated regulatory dynamics affect the development of antibody responses to Plasmodium parasites. Here, we hypothesize that T follicular helper cell (T-FH) polarization generated by repeated Plasmodium asexual blood-stage infections delays the onset of protective humoral responses. IFN-gamma production promotes polarization toward T(FH)1 and increased generation of regulatory follicular helper cells (T-FR). Delineating the mechanisms that drive T(H)1 polarization will provide clues for appropriate induction of lasting, protective immunity against malaria.