Human Interferon-γ Protects Rhesus Monkeys Against Sporozoite-InducedPlasmodium cynomolgiMalaria Infection

Abstract
Earlier we reported that prophylactic treatment with recombinant human interferon gamma (rHuIFN-γ) for a prolonged duration completely suppressed experimental infection with Plasmodium cynomolgi B sporozoites in rhesus monkeys. We now show that reducing the rHuIFN-γ treatment to three administrations given close to the time (on days -1, 0, and +1) of infection was sufficient for complete protection. Animals initially protected by rHuIFN-γ treatment are susceptible to reinfection. Studies are in progress to understand the precise mechanism of protection afforded by HuIFN-γ against sporozoite-induced malaria infection.