IFNG and malaria: In this study, we hypothesised that cellular immunity to malaria may develop differently in HbAS and HbAA children repeatedly exposed to Pf. Accordingly, we compared IFN‐γ‐associated immune profiles of HbAS and HbAA children from a malaria‐endemic area of Mali by evaluating (1) the capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to respond to stimulation, and (2) the frequency of IFN‐γ‐producing cell subsets in total PBMCs, using paired samples collected prior to the Pf transmission season as well as during the first malaria episode of the ensuing transmission season.