Cerebral malaria, a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, leads to significant mortality due to brain vascular dysfunction and blood-brain barrier (BBB) alterations, culminating in vasogenic oedema and death.

The exact mechanism behind BBB dysfunction is unclear, but recent studies suggest that an exacerbated immune response, marked by CD8+ leukocyte accumulation at brain microvascular damage sites, could be crucial. This research aims to dissect the pathogenic mechanisms using correlative X-ray electron microscopy in rodent models and bioengineered 3D-microvessel systems, offering high-resolution 3D imaging to investigate leukocyte involvement and BBB structural changes. By advancing understanding of cerebral malaria pathology and exploring novel imaging technologies, the project seeks to illuminate the disease’s underlying mechanisms.

Maria Bernabeu (EMBL), Yannick Schwab (EMBL), Elizabeth Duke (EMBL), Angelika Hoffmann (Inselspital Bern), Freddy Frischknecht (U Heidelberg)