Evidence supporting the use of: Interferon gamma
For the health condition: Malaria

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine critical to innate and adaptive immunity, with a well-documented role in activating macrophages and promoting the clearance of intracellular pathogens. Its potential use in malaria arises from the understanding that IFN-γ can enhance the immune response against Plasmodium species, the causative agents of malaria. Preclinical studies, particularly in mouse models, have shown that IFN-γ can contribute to resistance against liver and blood stages of malaria by activating macrophages to kill parasites and by promoting Th1 immune responses.

Despite this scientific rationale, clinical use of IFN-γ in malaria is limited. Only a few human studies have explored its therapeutic potential. Some early-phase trials in the 1980s and 1990s investigated recombinant IFN-γ as adjunctive therapy for severe malaria but results were inconclusive, with limited efficacy and concerns about side effects such as fever and systemic inflammation. Current malaria treatment guidelines do not include IFN-γ.

In summary, while there is a scientific basis for the immunomodulatory role of IFN-γ in malaria, supporting its potential as a therapeutic adjunct, robust clinical evidence is lacking. Thus, scientific validation exists at the experimental and mechanistic level, but not at the level of standard clinical practice.

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