Tissue-specific immunopathology during malaria infection

• Published in: Nature reviews. Immunology Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 266 - 278
• Main Authors: Coban, Cevayir, Lee, Michelle Sue Jann, Ishii, Ken J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Nature Publishing Group 01.04.2018; Nature Publishing Group UK
• Subjects: Analysis; Animals; Bioaccumulation; Blood Vessels - immunology; Blood Vessels - parasitology; Blood Vessels - pathology; Bone and Bones - immunology; Bone and Bones - parasitology; Bone and Bones - pathology; Brain - immunology; Brain - parasitology; Brain - pathology; Complications; Digestive System - immunology; Digestive System - parasitology; Digestive System - pathology; Erythrocytes; Erythrocytes - immunology; Erythrocytes - parasitology; Erythrocytes - pathology; Health aspects; Host-parasite interactions; Host-Parasite Interactions - immunology; Host-parasite relationships; Humans; Immune response; Infections; Lymphatic System - immunology; Lymphatic System - parasitology; Lymphatic System - pathology; Malaria; Malaria - immunology; Malaria - parasitology; Malaria - pathology; Malaria, Cerebral - immunology; Malaria, Cerebral - parasitology; Malaria, Cerebral - pathology; Models, Immunological; Organ Specificity; Parasites; Plasmodium; Plasmodium - immunology; Plasmodium - pathogenicity; Retina - immunology; Retina - parasitology; Retina - pathology; Tissues; Vector-borne diseases
• ISSN: 1474-1733; 1474-1741
• DOI: 10.1038/nri.2017.138

Systemic inflammation mediated by Plasmodium parasites is central to malaria disease and its complications. Plasmodium parasites reside in erythrocytes and can theoretically reach all host tissues via the circulation. However, actual interactions between parasitized erythrocytes and host tissues, along with the consequent damage and pathological changes, are limited locally to specific tissue sites. Such tissue specificity of the parasite can alter the outcome of malaria disease, determining whether acute or chronic complications occur. Here, we give an overview of the recent progress that has been made in understanding tissue-specific immunopathology during Plasmodium infection. As knowledge on tissue-specific host-parasite interactions accumulates, better treatment modalities and targets may emerge for intervention in malaria disease.