Infectious disease

Mouse studies suggest IL-33 or inhibiting NLRP3 could help treat cerebral malaria. In a mouse model of Plasmodium berghei-induced cerebral malaria treated with artesunate and chloroquine, brain levels of IL-33 were lower and brain levels of NLRP3 were higher seven days after treatment than before treatment. In the model, the combination of artesunate, chloroquine and a tool compound NLRP3 inhibitor increased survival and decreased clinical disease scores compared with the artesunate and chloroquine combination. Also in the model, artesunate, chloroquine and IL-33 decreased clinical disease scores and numbers of infected erythrocytes, vascular leakage, hemorrhage and axonal injury in the brain and increased survival. Next steps include identifying additional NLRP3 inhibitors.

The generic chloroquine is marketed to prevent and treat malaria...