We previously observed that DBA/2 ALI/ARDS-developing mice infected by Plasmodium berghei have increased levels of the HO-1 protein in their lungs and serum, and HO-1 induction improved respiratory parameters, reduced inflammatory cytokines and protected the alveolar capillary barrier in these mice (Pereira et al., 2016). The gene discussed is HMOX1; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.