The Case for the Use of PPARγ Agonists as an Adjunctive Therapy for Cerebral Malaria

Cerebral malaria is a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection associated with high mortality even when highly effective antiparasitic therapy is used. Adjunctive therapies that modify the pathophysiological processes caused by malaria are a possible way to improve outcome. This review focuses on the utility of PPAR γ agonists as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of cerebral malaria. The current knowledge of PPAR γ agonist use in malaria is summarized. Findings from experimental CNS injury and disease models that demonstrate the potential for PPAR γ agonists as an adjunctive therapy for cerebral malaria are also discussed.