Microbiome-mediated modulation of immune memory to P. yoelii affects the resistance to secondary cerebral malaria challenge

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium. Over time individuals slowly develop clinical immunity to malaria, but this process occurs at variable rates, and the mechanism of protection is not fully understood. We have recently demonstrated that in genetically identical C57BL/6N mice, gut microbiota composition dramatically impacts the quality of the humoral immune response to Plasmodium yoelii and subsequent protection against a lethal secondary challenge with Plasmodium berghei ANKA in C57BL/6N mice. Here, we utilize this genetically identical, gut microbiome–dependent model to investigate how the gut microbiota modulate immunological memory, hypothesizing that the gut microbiome impacts the formation and functionality of immune memory. In support of this hypothesis, P. yoelii hyperparasitemia–resistant C57BL/6N mice exhibit increased protection against P. berghei ANKA–induced experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) compared to P. yoelii hyperparasitemia–susceptible C57BL/6N mice. Despite differences in protection against ECM, P. yoelii–resistant and –susceptible mice accumulate similar numbers of memory B cells (MBCs) and memory T cells. Following challenge with P. berghei ANKA, P. yoelii–resistant mice generated more rapid germinal center reactions; however, P. yoelii–resistant and –susceptible mice had similar titers of P. yoelii– and P. berghei–specific antibodies. In contrast, P. yoelii–resistant mice had an increased number of regulatory T cells in response to secondary challenge with P. berghei ANKA, which may dampen the immune-mediated breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and susceptibility to P. berghei–induced ECM. These findings demonstrate the ability of the gut microbiome to shape immune memory and the potential to enhance resistance to severe malaria outcomes.