Significance of cytokine production and adhesion molecules in malarial immunopathology

The pathological expression in malaria infection depends largely on immunopathologic responses induced by the parasite. In the past few years, we have attempted to analyze mechanisms by which inappropriate immune response to some malarial antigens can generate major complications of malaria and particularly neurovascular lesions. To this end, we have undertaken a study aimed at a more precise definition of immunopathological parameters of malaria infection, and more particularly those involved in cerebral malaria (CM). CM, the most severe complication of falciparum infection in man, represents a major problem of public health at the world level.