Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Susceptibility and Severity: Influence of MyD88-Adaptor-Like Gene (rs8177374) Polymorphism

BACKGROUND: MyD88-adapter-like (MAL), as an essential adapter protein for a variety of TLRs (Toll-like receptors), modulates the inflammatory response. Many infectious illnesses are influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that modify MAL function. We aimed to examine the influence of the MAL rs8177374 polymorphism on Plasmodium falciparum malaria susceptibility and severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples from 141 Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients and 147 healthy controls were used in the study. Patients were subdivided into mild and severe groups based on their clinical results, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Genotypes for MAL rs8177374 were identified by allele-specific PCR technique, and TNF-alpha and IL-12 levels were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The MAL rs8177374 (CT) genotype is associated with an increased risk of malaria (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.44–4.41). Furthermore, the CT and TT genotypes gave considerable protection against severe malaria (OR: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03–0.19 and OR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.007–0.1 respectively). And the T allele was linked to a higher risk of malaria (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.18–2.5), while protecting patients from severe malaria (OR: 0.135; 95% CI: 0.07–0.3). Mutants (CT and TT) have greater TNF-alpha and IL-12 levels compared to wild-type (CC). CONCLUSION: Malaria risk is linked to single nucleotide polymorphism in the MyD88-adaptor-like gene. People with the MAL rs8177374 mutant variant may be less likely to get severe malaria.