Development of a model to image Plasmodium falciparum cytoadherence in vivo (360G-Wellcome-095507_Z_11_A)

The outcome of this work will be to have tested the primary hypothesis that the efficiency of recruitment to endothelium at the vessel wall is a major component of disease in P. falciparum malaria. In addition we will understand how different endothelial receptors contribute to this recruitment and retention of IE. This research will also provide information on the impact of cytoadherence on the circulation, the local endothelial response (inflammation and signalling) and effects at the level of the tissue. Our intention is to use this data to identify specific adhesion-based therapies that target recruitment and retention of IE in the brain and develop them into products that will reduce the mortality of cerebral malaria.