EPCR: Holy grail of malaria cytoadhesion

摘要

In this issue of Blood, Aird et al1 review recent findings that suggest the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), known for its pivotal role in mediating cytoprotection against coagulopathy, proinflammatory cytokines, and vascular permeability, may serve as a receptor for Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (IRBCs) in the brain.2 In the process, coagulation is allowed to proceed unchecked and contributes to the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria.3.