MMP7 and malaria: ‘MF-metalloendopeptidase activity’ is also identified in this cluster, containing genes for ADAMTS1/4/5/6/12/18 that regulate vascular homeostasis and are involved in cell adhesion and inflammation, as well as MMP7, which through degradation of soluble VEGFR-1, promotes VEGF binding to endothelium [73], with elevated levels of VEGF being reported in patients with cerebral malaria [74] and increased VEGF expression in HBMEC treated with malaria patient sera [75].