Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
09:04
In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 8, 2017
7.0K
Repurposing Pharmaceuticals as Neuroprotective Agents for Cerebral Malaria
Hannah M Brooks1, Michael T Hawkes1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Current Clinical Pharmacology
|July 6, 2017
Summary
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe Plasmodium falciparum complication. Repurposing licensed pharmaceuticals may offer new host-directed therapies to stabilize the neurovascular unit and improve CM outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, potentially leading to death or disability.
- Pathologic mechanisms involve parasite sequestration, endothelial activation, and neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction.
- Endothelial barrier function at the NVU is critical in CM pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on adjunctive therapies for CM.
- To explore pharmacologic modulation of the NVU for improved CM outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Narrative literature review of peer-reviewed research.
- Discussion of NVU regulatory pathways and therapeutic modulation.
Main Results:
- Recently licensed pharmaceuticals, initially developed for cancer or neurologic diseases, show potential for CM treatment.
- These drugs can target pathways regulating endothelial stability and activation.
Conclusions:
- Licensed pharmaceuticals may be repurposed as host-directed therapies for CM.
- Targeting endothelial function offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving CM outcomes.
