The Role of Myeloid Cells in Immunity to Malaria: A Review

Abstract

Malaria has continued to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Tropical World. Research on its complex immunology has focused more on the host adaptive immunity to the plasmodium parasite. The role of innate immune mechanisms involving myeloid cells has not been given adequate attention. This review highlights the key role of myeloid cells in immunity to malaria through such mechanisms as parasite sensing and elimination, pro inflammatory activities and activation of other immune components.