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Published on: January 2, 2013
Interleukin-18 Antagonism Improved Histopathological Conditions of Malaria Infection in Mice
Marzieh Jabbarzare1, Voon Kin Chin2, Herni Talib3
1Dept. of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
Background:
Interleukin 18 (IL-18) exerts pleiotropic roles in many inflammatory-related diseases including parasitic infection. Previous studies have demonstrated the promising therapeutic potential of modulating IL-18 bioactivity in various pathological conditions. However, its involvement during malaria infection has yet to be established. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of modulating IL-18 on the histopathological conditions of malaria infected mice.
Methods:
Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in male ICR mice was used as a model for malaria infection. Modulation of IL-18 release was carried out by treatment of malarial mice with recombinant mouse IL-18 (rmIL-18) and recombinant mouse IL-18 Fc chimera (rmIL-18Fc) intravenously. Histopathological study and analysis were performed on major organs including brain, liver, spleen, lungs and kidney.
Results:
Treatment with rmIL-18Fc resulted in significant improvements on the histopathological conditions of the organs in malaria-infected mice.
Conclusion:
IL-18 is an important mediator of malaria pathogenesis and targeting IL-18 could prove beneficial in malaria-infected host.
Insights
Modulating Interleukin 18 (IL-18) significantly improved organ damage in malaria-infected mice. Targeting IL-18 shows promise for treating malaria pathogenesis and protecting hosts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Interleukin 18 (IL-18) has diverse roles in inflammatory diseases.
- Its specific role in malaria pathogenesis remains unclear.
- Previous research suggests IL-18 modulation has therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of IL-18 modulation on malaria-induced histopathology.
- To establish the role of IL-18 in malaria infection.
Main Methods:
- A Plasmodium berghei ANKA mouse model of malaria was utilized.
- Mice were treated with recombinant mouse IL-18 (rmIL-18) and rmIL-18Fc.
- Histopathological analysis was conducted on major organs (brain, liver, spleen, lungs, kidney).
Main Results:
- Treatment with rmIL-18Fc significantly ameliorated histopathological damage in organs of malaria-infected mice.
- This indicates a protective effect of rmIL-18Fc against malaria-induced organ injury.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin 18 (IL-18) plays a crucial role in malaria pathogenesis.
- Targeting IL-18 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for malaria-infected individuals.
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