New concepts in malaria pathogenesis: the role of the renin-angiotensin system

Silva, L. S., Silva-Filho, J. L. , Caruso-Neves, C. and Pinheiro, A. A. S. (2016) New concepts in malaria pathogenesis: the role of the renin-angiotensin system. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 5, 103. (doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00103) (PMID:26779452) (PMCID:PMC4703750)

[img] Text
252230.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

1MB

Abstract

Malaria is a worldwide health problem leading the death of millions of people. The disease is induced by different species of protozoa parasites from the genus Plasmodium. In humans, Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous species responsible for severe disease. Despite all efforts to establish the pathogenesis of malaria, it is far from being fully understood. In addition, resistance to existing drugs has developed in several strains and the development of new effective compounds to fight these parasites is a major issue. Recent discoveries indicate the potential role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in malaria infection. Angiotensin receptors have not been described in the parasite genome, however several reports in the literature suggest a direct effect of angiotensin-derived peptides on different aspects of the host-parasite interaction. The aim of this review is to highlight new findings on the involvement of the RAS in parasite development and in the regulation of the host immune response in an attempt to expand our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Da Silva Filho, Dr Joao
Authors: Silva, L. S., Silva-Filho, J. L., Caruso-Neves, C., and Pinheiro, A. A. S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Publisher:Frontiers Media
ISSN:2235-2988
ISSN (Online):2235-2988
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Silva, Silva-Filho, Caruso-Neves and Pinheiro
First Published:First published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record