< Back to previous page

Project

Deciphering the fundamental role of sequestration and its interrelation with inflammation in malaria pathogenesis

Malaria is a worldwide tropical disease with an unacceptable high disease burden. Especially malaria complications such as cerebral malaria and malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS) are life-threatening. The pathological mechanisms are incompletely understood and involve both parasite and host factors including inflammatory processes. In this project, we will focus on parasite sequestration, which is the binding of the malaria-infected red blood cells to the blood vessel wall, also called endothelium. Malaria parasites sequester to avoid degradation by the spleen. Parasite sequestration is a fundamental process in malaria complications but the precise mechanisms how sequestration contributes to pathology are not clear. In this project, we will perform mechanistic studies to investigate the role of sequestration in MAARDS, endothelial activation and metabolic complications in malaria pathology. Furthermore, unique samples from MA-ARDS patients will be analysed, enabling us to compare endothelial activation between patients and mice. This will lead to critical new insights in malaria pathogenesis, with important translational clues.

Date:1 Oct 2017 →  15 Dec 2023
Keywords:Malaria, MA-ARDS, Sequestration, Th1 inflammation, Endothelial activation, Hypoxia, Hyperlactatemia
Disciplines:Adaptive immunology, Inflammation, Parasitology
Project type:PhD project