Odera DO
Tuju J
Mwai K
Nkumama IN
Furle K
Chege T
Kimathi R
Diehl S
Musasia FK
Rosenkranz M
Njuguna P
Hamaluba M
Kapulu MC
Frank R
Chmi-Sika Study Team
Osier FHA
Abdi AI
Chi PC
de Laurent Z
Jao I
Kamuya D
Kamuyu G
Makale J
Murungi L
Musyoki J
Muthui M
Mwacharo J
Kariuki S
Mwanga D
Mwongeli J
Ndungu F
Njue M
Nyangweso G
Kimani D
Ngoi JM
Musembi J
Ngoto O
Otieno E
Ooko M
Shangala J
Wambua J
Mohammed KS
Omuoyo D
Mosobo M
Kibinge N
Kinyanjui S
Bejon P
Lowe B
Marsh K
Marsh V
Abebe Y
Billingsley PF
Sim BKL
Hoffman SL
James ER
Richie TL
Audi A
Olewe F
Oloo J
Ongecha J
Ongas MO
Koskei N
Bull PC
Hodgson SH
Kivisi C
Imwong M
Murphy SC
Ogutu B
Tarning J
Winterberg M
Williams TN
Sci Transl Med. 2023;15eabn5993
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effectors that can be activated via antibody-mediated Fc receptor engagement. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we found that NK cells degranulate and release IFN-gamma upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK (Ab-NK) activity was largely strain transcending and enhanced invasion inhibition into erythrocytes. Ab-NK was associated with the successful control of parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in African adults. In an independent cohort study in children, Ab-NK increased with age, was boosted by concurrent P. falciparum infections, and was associated with a lower risk of clinical episodes of malaria. Nine of the 14 vaccine candidates tested induced Ab-NK, including some less well-characterized antigens: P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200. These data highlight an important role of Ab-NK activity in immunity against malaria and provide a potential mechanism for evaluating vaccine candidates.
