Immunoglobulin M: Restrainer of Inflammation and Mediator of Immune Evasion by Plasmodium falciparum Malaria

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is an ancient antibody class that is found in all vertebrates, with the exception of coelacanths, and is indispensable in both innate and adaptive immunity. The equally ancient human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, formed an intimate relationship with IgM with which it co-evolved. In this article, we discuss the association between IgM and human malaria parasites, building on several recent publications that implicate IgM as a crucial molecule that determines both host and parasite survival. Consequently, a better understanding of this association may lead to the development of improved intervention strategies.

TrendsIgM is an important class of serum antibody that mediates the clearance of apoptotic and altered cells through complement-dependent and -independent mechanisms.IgM mediates protection against infection and may play an important role in controlling Plasmodium falciparum malaria.IgM provides new routes to more effective drugs and vaccines.Fcμ-binding proteins expressed on the surfaces of both infected erythrocytes and merozoites facilitate immune evasion through diverse mechanisms.