How Does the Malaria Parasite Damage the Brain?
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Synopsis
Discover the groundbreaking findings from researchers in New Delhi, who have unveiled how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum damages the brain. This advancement could lead to innovative therapies aimed at preventing and possibly reversing the devastating effects of this disease.
Key Takeaways
- Plasmodium falciparum damages the blood-brain barrier.
- Cerebral malaria has a high mortality rate among children.
- The study utilized a lab-grown model to explore the effects of the parasite.
- Ruxolitinib may offer a therapeutic avenue for severe malaria cases.
- Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing effective treatments.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) A team of researchers has discovered the mechanisms by which the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum impacts the brain, paving the way for future therapies that may prevent or even reverse such damage.
Cerebral malaria is a devastating condition that claims the lives of one in five children afflicted by it and leads to long-lasting disabilities in 50% of survivors.
This parasitic disease arises from Plasmodium falciparum, which multiplies within red blood cells before bursting out to infect additional cells.
Upon reaching the blood-brain barrier (BBB) — a protective structure for the brain against harmful agents — the parasite can inflict damage, resulting in severe complications.
To investigate its effects, scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Barcelona, Spain developed a laboratory-based BBB model to demonstrate how the parasite disrupts it.
"Think of the BBB as a system of tightly sealed pipes that prevent leaks. The malaria parasite can create fissures in these pipes, leading to leaks that allow infected fluids to seep into the brain, causing swelling and rendering the disease irreversible," explained Livia Piatti, a postdoctoral researcher at EMBL.
The lab-crafted infection model of the human BBB included essential cellular components: endothelial cells lining blood vessels, supporting pericytes, and astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, all organized in a three-dimensional structure with circulating fluid.
The miniature BBB-on-a-chip (3D-BBB) was subjected to the parasite at its most volatile stage: the moment it escapes from red blood cells through a process termed egress.
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the findings revealed that the barrier became significantly more permeable.
Moreover, gene expression analysis at the single-cell level indicated that cells produced fewer proteins that maintain BBB integrity, while increasing the molecules responsible for inflammation.
The researchers also successfully trialed an already approved drug, Ruxolitinib, on their 3D-BBB model, indicating its potential effectiveness in severe malaria cases.
By mitigating inflammation within the brain's blood vessels, this drug lessened the permeability of the BBB, according to the team.
Point of View
I believe this research sheds light on a critical health issue affecting children and highlights the importance of advancing our understanding of malaria's effects on the brain. Such studies are pivotal in informing future therapeutic strategies, and they represent a beacon of hope for combating this devastating disease.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cerebral malaria?
Cerebral malaria is a severe neurological complication of malaria, primarily caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which can lead to death or long-term disabilities in survivors.
How does the malaria parasite affect the blood-brain barrier?
The malaria parasite can create cracks in the blood-brain barrier, leading to increased permeability and allowing infected fluids to enter the brain, causing swelling and potential irreversible damage.
What is Ruxolitinib?
Ruxolitinib is an approved drug that has shown promise in reducing inflammation in the brain's blood vessels, potentially mitigating the effects of cerebral malaria.
What are the long-term effects of cerebral malaria?
Long-term effects of cerebral malaria can include cognitive impairments, seizures, and other neurological disabilities in survivors.
Where was this research conducted?
This research was conducted by scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Barcelona, Spain.
