B cells are responsible for producing antibodies, which are key components of the malaria-specific immune response. During malaria the B cell response is affected by the strong inflammatory environment created by the parasite. One clear effect is the expansion of the cytokine BAFF in the plasma of infected individuals. This expansion is inversely correlated with a downregulation of BAFF-receptor (BAFF-R) on the surface of B cells. This regulation could happen by several mechanisms:

1. Shedding of BAFF-R to the plasma
2. Internalization of BAFF-R from the cell membrane to intracellular compartments.
3. Reduced production of new BAFF-R.

The aim of this project is to investigate how the BAFF-BAFFR axis is regulated during malaria infection by investigating these mechanisms (one or more depending on time).

The methods include
1. ELISA to measure BAFF-R concentration in plasma.
2. Intracellular staining for internalized BAFF-R and evaluation by flow cytometry. Alternatively also by western blot.
3. qPCR for BAFF-R in sorted B cells and stimulated healthy cells in vitro.