Reactive oxygen species generation in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes is a process arising from both host and parasite metabolism during malaria infection, primarily involving hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. ROS are produced in the food vacuole of the parasite during hemoglobin digestion and also by host enzymes such as xanthine oxidase and phagocyte NADPH oxidase. While ROS contribute to oxidative damage and inflammation in malaria pathogenesis—including the development of severe complications—they also have a host-protective role by inhibiting parasite growth. In malaria patients, especially during severe disease, elevated ROS (notably from upregulated xanthine oxidase) drive inflammation and tissue damage, as well as providing signals for inflammasome activation[1][2][4][5][6][7].

Other names

ROS generation in malariaoxidative stress in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytesreactive oxygen species in malaria

Scavenging or reduction of ROS to mitigate cellular damage[5][6][7] Inhibition of xanthine oxidase to reduce ROS-mediated inflammation[5][6]