Correlation between beta 2-microglobulin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in plasma of individuals living in a malarial endemic region.

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2m) levels were related to the expected immunoprotection in 81 individuals living in a malarial mesoendemic area near Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso), who were longitudinally followed. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were positively correlated to those of beta 2m (r = 0.44; n = 237; P less than 0.001). This suggests that most of the beta 2m could have originated from activated T and B cell membrane turnover. In our study, both beta 2m and sIL-2R were inversely related to IgG antibodies (Ab) against somatic antigen of Plasmodium falciparum (Som-Ag). Therefore, these molecules at high levels could have a down regulating activity, directly or indirectly, on B cells producing this kind of Ab.