Factors that can influence malaria disease severity. Parasite factors include molecules mediating the invasion of RBCs and modulating host immune responses. Host genetic background can influence parasite invasion of RBCs and host immunity, too. Prior infections, nutritional status, and anti-malaria treatment also contribute to disease severity. Su XZ, Xu F, Stadler RV, Teklemichael AA, Wu J. Malaria: Factors affecting disease severity, immune evasion mechanisms, and reversal of immune inhibition to enhance vaccine efficacy. PLoS Pathog. 2025