Plasmodium falciparum Icam-1-based cytoadherence-related signalling in endothelical cells

Background: Cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes to host endothelium has been associated with pathology in severe malaria, but despite extensive information on the primary processes involved in the adhesive interactions the mechanisms underlying disease are poorly understood. There is evidence that during cerebral malaria there is subtle, focal alteration in the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Rather than being passive bystanders, we have considered how endothelial cells might respond to parasite binding with direct effects on barrier function.