Nitric Oxide Involvement during Malaria Infection; Immunological Concepts, Mechanisms and Complexities: a Novel Review

Abstract

Abstract

Malaria is a chronic disaster and still remains on the agenda for its top pathogenesis andmorbidity. The exact mechanism of host immunity during malaria infection has not beenfully described. A number of cytokines have been shown to be produced in malaria, but one of thekey molecules is nitric oxide (NO). This tiny molecule acts as a signal in cells to regulate somefunctions, transmit messages, kill pathogens and induce cell death. There are different ideas aboutthe role of NO and its related molecules in the physiopathology of malaria. NO is implicated in theimmune response and the pathophysiology associated with malaria and it may cause some symptomsin severe malaria. NO and its related molecules are produced in the host during malaria to resistinfection or cause tissue damage in low or high concentrations, respectively. The NO theory ofmalaria pathology may lead to novel ideas for immunization, therapy and prevention.

Keywords: malaria, cytokine, nitric oxide, NO