Cytokine-induced inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic growth in vitro.

The addition of recombinant cytokines to Plasmodium falciparum in vitro cultures retarded the growth of the parasite with the effect of recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) > interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) > tumour necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta). The process was concentration dependent, being greatest at 30,000 U/ml and required a 72-h period of continuous exposure for maximum effect. Growth inhibition, as determined morphologically and radiometrically, was a consequence of defective schizont maturation rather than inhibition of merozoite invasion. It was cumulative and detectable within one erythrocytic (48 h) growth cycle.