DEPLETION OF CD4(-CELLS PREVENTS PLASMODIUM-BERGHEI INDUCED CEREBRAL MALARIA IN END-STAGE DISEASE() OR CD8(+) T)

The role of T-cells in development of experimental cerebral malaria wa s analysed in C57B1/6J and C57B1/10 mice infected with Plasmodium berg hei K173 or Plasmodium berghei ANKA by treatment with anti-CD4 or anti -CD8 mAbs. Mice were protected against cerebral malaria (CM) when anti -CD4 or anti-CD8 mAbs were injected before or during infection. Even i n mice in end-stage disease, i.e. with a body temperature below 35 . 5 degrees C, treatment with anti-CDC or anti-CD8 antibodies or the comb ination protected against CM, whereas chloroquine treatment was comple tely ineffective in inhibiting further development of the cerebral syn drome.