Child hospitalization due to severe malaria is associated with the ICAM-1Kilifi allele but not adherence patterns of Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells to ICAM-1

Host Genetic Impact on Infectious Diseases among Different Ethnic Groups

Infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) are problematic globally, with high prevalence particularly in Africa, attributing to most of the death rates. There have been immense efforts toward developing effective preventative and therapeutic strategies for these pathogens globally, however, some remain uncured. Disease susceptibility and progression for malaria, TB, HIV, and COVID-19 vary among individuals and are attributed to precautionary measures, environment, host, and pathogen genetics. While studying individuals with similar attributes, it is suggested that host genetics contributes to most of an individual's susceptibility to disease. Several host genes are identified to associate with these pathogens. Interestingly, many of these genes and polymorphisms are common across diseases. This paper analyzes genes and genetic variations within host genes associated with HIV, TB, malaria, and COVID-19 among different ethnic groups. The differences in host-pathogen interaction among these groups, particularly of Caucasian and African descent, and which gene polymorphisms are prevalent in an African population that possesses protection or risk to disease are reviewed. The information in this review could potentially help develop personalized treatment that could effectively combat the high disease burden in Africa.

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1: More than a Leukocyte Adhesion Molecule

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane protein in the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on the surface of multiple cell populations and upregulated by inflammatory stimuli. It mediates cellular adhesive interactions by binding to the β2 integrins macrophage antigen 1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen 1, as well as other ligands. It has important roles in the immune system, including in leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and transendothelial migration, and at the immunological synapse formed between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. ICAM-1 has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse diseases from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, certain infections, and cancer. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure and regulation of the ICAM1 gene and the ICAM-1 protein. We discuss the roles of ICAM-1 in the normal immune system and a selection of diseases to highlight the breadth and often double-edged nature of its functions. Finally, we discuss current therapeutics and opportunities for advancements.

ICAM-1 Kilifi variant is not associated with cerebral and severe malaria pathogenesis in Beninese children

Background

Cytoadhesion and sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells (iRBC) in the microvasculature of vital organs are a major cause of malaria pathology. Several studies have provided evidence on the implication of the human host intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a major receptor for iRBCs binding to P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) in the development of severe and cerebral malaria. The genetic polymorphism K29M in the immunoglobulin-like domain of ICAM-1, known as ICAM-1Kilifi, has been associated with either increased or decreased risk of developing cerebral malaria.

Methods

To provide more conclusive results, the genetic polymorphism of ICAM-1Kilifi was assessed by PCR and sequencing in blood samples from 215 Beninese children who presented with either mild or severe malaria including cerebral malaria.

Results and conclusions

The results showed that in this cohort of Beninese children, the ICAM-1kilifi variant is present at the frequencies of 0.27, similar to the frequency observed in other African countries. This ICAM-1kilifi variant was not associated with disease severity in agreement with other findings from the Gambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Gabon, and Thailand, suggesting no evidence of a direct link between this polymorphism and the pathogenesis of severe and cerebral malaria.