Modulation of sickle cell crisis by naturally occurring band 3 specific antibodies - a malaria link

This paper's focus is prevention of sickle cell adhesion resulting fromthe erythrocyte's prematurely denatured hemoglobin. This denatured hemoglobin causes a molecule calledband 3 to cluster on the erythrocyte's surface and adhere to the CD36 molecule located on the microvascularendothelium. Natural antibodies recognize these clusters on senescent erythrocytes and prevent theirendothelial adhesion and target them for reticuloendothelial elimination. Band 3 is also displayed onthe erythrocytes of individuals with falciparum malaria and the vaso-occlusive pathology in these patientsis prevented in individuals with sickle trait. The hypothesis is that prematurely denatured sickle hemoglobinresults in an up regulation of natural antibodies which control erythrocyte adhesion in both malariaand sickle cell disease.

Keywords: Anemia, Sickle Cell, Antigens, CD36, Cell Adhesion, Erythrocytes, Malaria