Since oxidative stress is linked to malaria severity (Das et al, 1991; Greve et al, 2000; Narsaria et al, 2012), this may explain the improved clinical symptoms observed when IFNAR1 is deficient or blocked in mice (Haque et al, 2014) and the link of specific SNPs in IFNAR1 to cerebral malaria resistance in patients (Aucan et al, 2003). The gene discussed is IFNAR1; the disease is cerebral malaria.