Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Inhibition (ADCI) of Plasmodium falciparum: One- and Two-Step ADCI Assays

The ADCI assay aims to measure the ability of parasite-specific antibodies, which by triggering blood monocytes, control P. falciparum parasite density. The assay relies on three easily accessible components: blood monocytes, immunoglobulins, and P. falciparum in vitro culture. Yet the reliability of results depends on the quality of the three above components, and therefore great care must be taken with each of them. We describe here different protocols for successfully carrying out the ADCI assay with emphasis on procedures and validation criteria necessary to ensure meaningful results.