Malaria, monocytes, macrophages and myeloid dendritic cells: sticking of infected erythrocytes switches off host cells

The adhesive phenotypes expressed by Plasmodium-falciparum-infected erythrocytes were previously thought simply to permit sequestration of parasites in the peripheral circulation. Recent work has illuminated how falciparum-infected erythrocytes may modulate the function of monocytes, macrophages and myeloid dendritic cells through the action of haemozoin from digested haemoglobin and through adhesion of infected cells to their surface.