A recent article published in Nano Research stated that the vital role of interstitial space in malaria infection and treatment has been neglected in current research efforts. 

Here, the authors informed about the reinfection capacity of parasites sequestrated in the interstitial space, which combat the mechanism of recurrence. Malarial parasite-infected mice were treated with artemisinin-loaded liposomes through the interstitial space and exhibited a better therapeutic response. Notably, compared with oral administration, interstitial administration showed an unexpectedly high activation and recruitment of immune cells, and resulted in better clearance of parasites from organs, as well as enhanced pathological recovery. 

It was inferred that interstitial route of administration prolongs the blood circulation time of artemisinin and increases its plasma concentration, and may compensate for the inefficiency of oral administration and the nanotoxicity of intravenous administration – providing a potential strategy for infectious disease therapy.

Source: Nano Research. 2020 Jul 24;1-10.doi: 10.1007/s12274-020-2946-y.