The role of T-cells in development of experimental cerebral malaria
was analysed in C57B1/6J and C57B1/10 mice infected with Plasmodium
berghei 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 in mice in end-stage disease, i.e. with a body temperature below 35·5
°C, treatment with anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 antibodies or the combination
protected against CM, whereas chloroquine treatment was completely ineffective
in inhibiting further development of the cerebral syndrome.