Malaria and Immune Memory

Abner Tom Kalukusu

Department of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Uganda

Email: abnertomkalukusu@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Malaria remains one of the world’s most devastating infectious diseases, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite repeated exposure in endemic regions, the development of long-lasting immunity remains elusive due to complex host–parasite interactions, immune evasion mechanisms, and antigenic variation. This paper examines the multifaceted immunological responses to malaria, emphasizing how Plasmodium falciparum manipulates host immunity through antigenic variation, immune modulation, and persistence mechanisms that prevent sterilizing immunity. The roles of humoral and cellular immune responses, particularly memory B cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, and tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm), are discussed in relation to their contribution to long-term protection. Global initiatives such as the Roll Back Malaria campaign, WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016–2030), and community-based engagement efforts highlight the progress and challenges in malaria control and eradication. Advances in vaccine research, including whole-organism vaccines, recombinant platforms, and bispecific antibody therapies are reshaping prospects for immunological protection. However, ethical considerations concerning human challenge trials, gene-drive technology, and the management of G6PD deficiency remain critical in global malaria research. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying immune memory, immune evasion, and vaccine-induced immunity is pivotal to accelerating the development of next-generation vaccines and innovative therapeutics essential for malaria elimination and eventual eradication.

Keywords: Malaria Immunology, Antigenic Variation, Immune Memory, Vaccine Development and Global Eradication Efforts.

CITE AS: Abner Tom Kalukusu (2025). Malaria and Immune Memory. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(3):81-92. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/5318192