Host cell membrane (PM) (PM)

The host cell membrane, or plasma membrane, is a semi-permeable lipid bilayer that defines the boundary of the cell and regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cytoplasm. It is composed of phospholipids, cholesterol, and embedded proteins that facilitate essential processes such as signal transduction, ion transport, and cell adhesion (Alberts et al., 2002). In the context of pharmacology, the host cell membrane serves as a critical interface for drug action, particularly for anesthetics that alter membrane properties and antivirals that block pathogen entry (Cooper, 2000). Furthermore, many pathogens exploit host membrane components, such as lipid rafts or specific receptors, to gain entry into the cell, making these structures targets for therapeutic intervention (Simons & Ikonen, 1997). Targeting the membrane itself requires high specificity to avoid off-target toxicity to healthy tissues, a major challenge in drug development (Barenholz, 2002).

Other names

Plasma membraneCell membraneCytoplasmic membraneLipid bilayerPlasmalemma

Drugs targeting the host cell membrane act by modulating membrane fluidity, disrupting lipid raft organization, inhibiting viral-host membrane fusion, or altering the activity of membrane-embedded proteins through changes in the lipid environment (Simons & Ikonen, 1997; Heimburg, 2007).