Extensive genetic diversity in natural parasite populations is a major obstacle for the development of an effective vaccine against the human malaria parasite, since antigenic diversity limits the efficacy of acquired protective immunity to malaria. Genetic diversity is one of the prominent features of Plasmodium falciparum infections....

Clinical malaria is characterized by high levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines, which are thought to contribute to the imunopathology of the disease. The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses against the parasite is considered critical for clinical protection....