TITLE:
Patterns of Anti-Malarial Immunoglobulin E Responses and Membrane Expression of the FcεRI Complex in Malaria
AUTHORS:
Cheikh D. Fall, Moustapha Mbow, Maguette S. Niang, Babacar Mbengue, Alioune Dieye
KEYWORDS:
Cerebral Malaria, FcεRI, Neutrophiles, Immunoglobulin E, Plasmodium falciparum
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Immunology,
Vol.16 No.4,
November
4,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: FcεRI, also known as the high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) membrane receptor, is a receptor that binds to the Fc fragment of IgE antibody. It is expressed on the surface of mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, and has recently been discovered in neutrophils, particularly in asthmatics. Several experimental studies have demonstrated the presence of FcεRI on the surface of these neutrophils. Other studies are underway to determine a possible correlation between plasma IgE and Polymorphonuclear neutrophile-FcεRI (PMN- FcεRI). Similarly, research is ongoing for the study of the profile of IgE in severe malaria. Objectives: To evaluate plasma IgE responses to P. falciparum Merozoite Surface Proteins and assess their relationship with neutrophil FcεRI membrane expression and surface-bound IgE (PMN-IgE) across disease severity and clinical outcomes in malaria patients. Methodology: Plasma IgE were determined by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method to 107 patients (adults and children) recruited in 2013, 2014, and 2015. PMN-FcεRI and PMN-IgE were compared according to malaria severity and outcome. Results: No correlation was found between FcεRI expression and plasma IgE titers. PMN-FcεRI were higher in patients with Cerebral Malaria (CM) than in those with Uncomplicated Malaria (UM), as well as in those who died from the disease. Conclusion: These findings regarding anti-MSP IgE shed light on the complex relationship that may exist between PMN-FcεRI, PMN-IgE, and plasma IgE. This study also highlights the significant impact that the pathological context can have on the components of the innate immune system. We recommend future studies to use whole merozoite extracts for more comprehensive IgE measurement and apply “Omics” technology to explore the broader immune response environment. This approach could provide deeper insights into the role of IgE-mediated neutrophil responses in cerebral malaria.