Multiple Parasite Proteins and Membranes (Target of Artemisinins) (N/A)

Artemisinins are a class of drugs used to treat malaria. They do not have a single, specific molecular target. Instead, they are activated by intraparasitic heme/iron(II) to generate free radicals. These free radicals non-selectively alkylate and damage a wide range of parasite proteins and membranes, disrupting essential parasitic processes and leading to cell death. While specific proteins like falcipains and PfATP6 have been proposed as potential targets, the primary mechanism involves promiscuous alkylation rather than selective binding.

Other names

Intraparasitic Heme/Iron(II)Multiple Alkylated Parasite ProteinsParasite ProteinsParasite Membranes

Artemisinins are activated by heme/iron(II) within the parasite, generating free radicals that alkylate and damage multiple parasite proteins and membranes, leading to cell death.