Sporozoite-mediated hepatocyte wounding limits Plasmodium parasite development via MyD88-mediated NF-kappa B activation and inducible NO synthase expression.

Plasmodium sporozoites traverse several host cells before infecting hepatocytes. In the process, the plasma membranes of the cells are ruptured, resulting in the release of cytosolic factors into the microenvironment. This released endogenous material is highly stimulatory/immunogenic and can serve as a danger signal initiating distinct responses in various cells.