Unravelling mysteries at the perivascular space: a new rationale for cerebral malaria pathogenesis

Trends Parasitol. 2023 Dec 7:S1471-4922(23)00285-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCerebral malaria (CM) is a severe neurological complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites; it is characterized by the sequestration of infected red blood cells within the cerebral microvasculature. New findings, combined with a better understanding of the central nervous system (CNS) barriers, have provided greater insight into the players and events involved in CM, including site-specific T cell responses in the human brain. Here, we review the updated roles of innate and adaptive immune responses in CM, with a focus on the role of the perivascular macrophage-endothelium unit in antigen presentation, in the vascular and perivascular compartments. We suggest that these events may be pivotal in the development of CM.PMID:38065791 | DOI:10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.005

Source: Trends in Parasitology - December 8, 2023 Category: Parasitology Authors: Samuel C Wassmer Tania F de Koning-Ward Georges E R Grau Saparna Pai Source Type: research