New Insights into How Malaria Infection Might Contribute to Childhood Cancer

Recent research published in The Journal of Immunology has shed light on the biological mechanisms linking malaria infection, specifically caused by Plasmodium falciparum, to the development of childhood Burkitt lymphoma (BL). This type of cancer, which primarily affects B cells within the immune system—a critical component responsible for antibody production—is notably more prevalent in regions where P. falciparum malaria is common, such as equatorial Africa and New Guinea. Although the association between malaria and BL has been observed since 1958, the precise pathways remained unclear until now.

The study reveals that P. falciparum infection leads to an elevated expression of the enzyme activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in children’s B cells. AID plays a pivotal role in the process of MYC gene translocation, a key genetic abnormality driving BL. When AID activity is heightened, it increases the risk of such critical genetic mutations, potentially leading to cancer development.

To establish this link, researchers examined blood samples from children with uncomplicated malaria—marked by non-specific symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea—and compared AID levels to those in children without malaria. Findings demonstrated that children with malaria exhibited significantly increased and fully functional AID in their B cells, supporting the hypothesis that malaria directly contributes to BL pathogenesis.

Understanding this mechanism emphasizes the importance of malaria prevention efforts. As Dr. Rosemary Rochford from the University of Colorado notes, reducing P. falciparum malaria burden could also decrease the incidence of Burkitt lymphoma in affected regions.

This research not only advances our understanding of malaria’s impact on immune regulation but also underscores the need for integrated strategies to combat infectious diseases and their long-term consequences, including certain cancers.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-malaria-childhood-cancer.html