An update on cerebral malaria for therapeutic intervention

Background Cerebral malaria is often pronounced as a major life-threatening neurological complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. The complex pathogenic landscape of the parasite and the associated neurological complications are still not elucidated properly. The growing concerns of drugresistant parasite strains along with the failure of anti-malarial drugs to subdue post-recovery neuro-cognitive dysfunctions in cerebral malaria patients have called for a demand to explore novel biomarkers and therapeutic avenues. Due course of the brain infection journey of the parasite, events such as sequestration of infected RBCs, cytoadherence, inflammation, endothelial activation, and blood-brain barrier disruption are considered critical. Methods In this review, we briefly summarize the diverse pathogenesis of the brain-invading parasite associated with loss of the blood-brain barrier integrity. In addition, we also discuss proteomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics strategies to identify an array of new biomarkers and drug candidates. Conclusion A proper understanding of the parasite biology and mechanism of barrier disruption coupled with emerging state-of-art therapeutic approaches could be helpful to tackle cerebral malaria.

Automated summary

This review provides a brief summary of the diverse pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and the parasite-associated loss of blood-brain barrier integrity. Proteomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics strategies are discussed as potential ways to identify new biomarkers and drug candidates. A proper understanding of parasite biology and barrier disruption, along with emerging therapeutic approaches, could be helpful in tackling cerebral malaria.