Importantly, we identified a novel subset of memory‐activated NK cells (CD38dimCD45RO+HLA‐DR+ NK cells) and showed that this subset was specifically enriched in HbAS children compared to HbAA children before the start of the Pf transmission season and was associated with a higher production of IFN‐γ, a delayed onset of the next malaria episode as well as with a better parasite control during the subsequent malaria episode.32 The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is malaria.