Cestode mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery (Cestode OXPHOS)

The cestode mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery is a vital metabolic system responsible for ATP production in tapeworms, specifically adapted to the anaerobic or microaerophilic environments of the host's gastrointestinal tract (Tielens, A. G., 1994, Parasitology Today). This machinery differs significantly from mammalian systems by often utilizing a specialized NADH-fumarate reductase pathway, where fumarate acts as the terminal electron acceptor instead of oxygen to maintain redox balance (Kita, K., et al., 2002, Current Medicinal Chemistry). Key components of this system include Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase), Complex II (succinate dehydrogenase/fumarate reductase), and Complex V (ATP synthase). Anthelmintic drugs such as niclosamide target this machinery by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation, which leads to a lethal depletion of ATP within the parasite (Weinbach, E. C., & Garbus, J., 1969, Nature). Because this metabolic pathway has distinct structural and functional differences from human mitochondrial respiration, it serves as a highly effective target for selective anthelmintic therapy against infections like taeniasis and echinococcosis (Walker, M., et al., 2004, Trends in Parasitology).

Other names

Tapeworm mitochondrial respiratory chainCestode ATP synthesis systemHelminth oxidative phosphorylation pathwayNADH-fumarate reductase systemCestode mitochondrial respiratory chain

Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and inhibition of anaerobic ATP production via the fumarate reductase pathway (PubChem CID 4477; WHO Model List of Essential Medicines).