Recent advances in malaria research: New tools to understand an old enemy

Abstract

Scientists who gathered at the most recent Keystone Symposia meeting on malaria described several advances, including applications of new technologies as well as new insights into pathogenesis and immunology. Enhanced tools to visualize the immune response to the Plasmodium pathogen, and systems biology approaches to interrogate host-parasite interactions, are altering our understanding of immunity and disease. At the same time, a partially effective subunit vaccine in human trials, and new models of highly protective human immunity, are raising expectations for immunological control of this ancient pandemic. © 2010 Expert Reviews Ltd.