Immune Response Predicts Predisposition to Burkitt Lymphoma

An important association has been identified between Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and endemic Burkitt Lymphoma (eBL) that may help identify young children who are more susceptible.

The evolving complexity and heterogeneity of the humoral immune response to the deadliest of malarial parasites is possibly a key component for risk of developing eBL in young children who reside in malaria endemic areas of Equatorial Africa.

Scientists at George Washington University (Washington DC, USA) developed, optimized, and standardized an extensive panel of serological tests of recombinant Pf antigens representing several stages of the parasite life-cycle assayed in more than 700 cases and control samples from young children. The children were domiciled in Pf malaria endemic areas of Ghana, had eBL, and were matched with children of the same age, sex, and of the same village who did not have eBL.

The team used an immunomics approach to their antibody response to Pf malaria. This enabled different statistical and epidemiological associations to be made between a range of antibody response to Pf malaria antigens and eBL, establishing a pattern of immune responses rather than a single immune response, identifying the children who are at risk for developing eBL. The results of study showed a significant increase in the risk of developing eBL in young children who had a distinct pattern of antibody responses to several different recombinant Pf malaria antigens, including some antigens, which are vaccine candidates. Of special note, the study also found a significant decreased risk of eBL in children with antibodies to SE36, a vaccine candidate protein that has been associated with lower risk of malaria in epidemiological studies. Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system in children affecting in particular their B-lymphocytes.

Jeffrey Bethony, PhD, who was the senior author of the study, said, "Plasmodium falciparum malaria has long been suspected as an important trigger to Epstein Barr virus-associated lymphoma of very young children living in Equatorial Africa. Our study adds to this literature, explaining that it is not simply the presence or absence of Pf malaria infection, but the breath and complexity of the antibody response to malaria that may be the true indicating factor for who develops endemic Burkitt Lymphoma and who does not." The study was presented at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology held December 8-11, 2012, in Atlanta (GA, USA).

Related Links:
George Washington University
US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases