Modulation of host responses to blood-stage malaria by interleukin-12: from therapy to adjuvant activity.
This review focuses on the role of interleukin (IL)-12, a proinflammatory cytokine with pleiotropic effects as a potent immunoregulatory molecule and hematopoietic growth factor, in infection with Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria. IL-12 has been demonstrated to have profound effects on the immune response to blood-stage malaria, to induce protection, and to alleviate malarial anemia. In combination with an anti-malarial drug, IL-12 is effective in an established malaria infection. This cytokine also has potent immune effects as a malaria vaccine adjuvant. However, IL-12 can also mediate pathology during blood-stage malaria.
Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, McGill University and The Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Quebec H3G 1A4, Montreal, Canada. mcev@musica.mcgill.ca
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D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007110:Immunity, Active; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D051379:Mice; D010961:Plasmodium; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines; D018664:Interleukin-12