Although TSPO1 ligands have been described as neuroprotective agents, TSPO2 ligands may serve as erythroprotective agents, i.e., in light of the antimalarial effects of TSPO ligands on infected RBCs, and the fact that all malaria symptoms occur during the intra-erythrocyte stage of the disease, improved specific ligands for TSPO, might help to design effective treatment strategies against malaria. This evidence concerns the gene TSPO and malaria.