The role of platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) in lung pathology during experimental malaria

► Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infected (PAFR−/−) mice present less histopathological changes in the lung. ► PbA-infected PAFR−/− mice presented lower systemic inflammation, regarding cytokine and chemokine levels in the serum. ► PbA-infected PAFR−/− mice presented lower numbers of macrophages and CD8+ T cells in the lung. ► The absence of PAFR confers significant protection against lung pathology caused by PbA infection in mice.