Tuikue Ndam Nicaise auteur aut IRD Denoeud Ndam Lise auteur aut IRD Doritchamou J. auteur aut IRD Viwami F. auteur aut IRD Salanti A. auteur aut IRD Nielsen M. A. auteur aut IRD Fievet Nadine auteur aut IRD Massougbodji A. auteur aut IRD Luty Adrian auteur aut IRD Deloron Philippe auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access Placental malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes that bind to placental tissue. Binding is mediated by VAR2CSA, a parasite antigen coded by the var gene, which interacts with chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Consequences include maternal anemia and fetal growth retardation. Antibody-mediated immunity to placental malaria is acquired during successive pregnancies, but the target of VAR2CSA-specific protective antibodies is unclear. We assessed VAR2CSA-specific antibodies in pregnant women and analyzed their relationships with protection against placental infection, preterm birth, and low birthweight. Antibody responses to the N-terminal region of VAR2CSA during early pregnancy were associated with reduced risks for infections and low birthweight. Among women infected during pregnancy, an increase in CSA binding inhibition was associated with reduced risks for placental infection, preterm birth, and low birthweight. These data suggest that antibodies against VAR2CSA N-terminal region mediate immunity to placental malaria and associated outcomes. Our results validate current vaccine development efforts with VAR2CSA N-terminal constructs. specialized BENIN 052 050 21 5 813-823 2015 1080-6040 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010064202 10.3201/eid2105.141626 1080-6040 [F B010064202] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010064202 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2015/06/010064202.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2015-07-03 2017-08-23 fdi:010064202 fre