FcγRIIa polymorphism and anti-malaria-specific IgG and IgG subclass responses in populations differing in susceptibility to malaria in Burkina Faso

Abstract

FcγRIIa is known to be polymorphic; and certain variants are associated with different susceptibilities to malaria. Studies involving the Fulani ethnic group reported an ethnic difference in FcγRIIa-R131H genotype frequencies between the Fulani and other sympatric groups. No previous studies have addressed these questions in Burkina Faso. This study aimed to assess the influence of FcγRIIa-R131H polymorphism on anti-falciparum malaria IgG and IgG subclass responses in the Fulani and the Mossi ethnic groups living in Burkina Faso. Healthy adults more than 20 years old belonging to the Mossi or the Fulani ethnic groups were enrolled for the assessment of selected parasitological, immunological and genetic variables in relation to their susceptibility to malaria. The prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum infection frequency was relatively low in the Fulani ethnic group compared to the Mossi ethnic group. For all tested antigens, the Fulani had higher antibody levels than the Mossi group. In both ethnic groups, a similar distribution of FcγRIIa R131H polymorphism was found. Individuals with the R allele of FcγRIIa had higher antibody levels than those with the H allele. This study confirmed that malaria infection affected less the Fulani group than the Mossi group. FcγRIIa-R131H allele distribution is similar in both ethnic groups, and higher antibody levels are associated with the FcγRIIa R allele compared to the H allele.