Plasmodium infection and dysbiosis: A new paradigm in the host–parasite interaction

Abstract

The mucosal immune system contributes for the largest component of the tissue immune system due to its massive surface area and constant exposure to the microbiota. The gut microbiota comprises a complex micro-ecosystem in the intestine and plays a major role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. Several studies revealed that infectious diseases involve bidirectional interactions in the gut microenvironment, including changes in the gut microbiota composition. During Plasmodium infection, an increase of pro-inflammatory cells in the lamina propria and a shift in the composition of the gut microbiota contribute to intestinal ecosystem dysbiosis. Although the mechanisms of this dysbiosis is still uncertain, it is thought to be associated with the sequestration of infected red blood cells in the intestinal microvascular system, leading to endothelial villous disruption, and thus activating effector immune cells scattered in the intestinal epithelium and lamina propria. This review provides information on this conjoint interaction which will be beneficial to modulate the host immune response in malaria through manipulation of the gut microbiota composition.