Nematode nicotinic acetylcholine receptor L-subtype (L-nAChR)

The nematode nicotinic acetylcholine receptor L-subtype (L-nAChR) is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel essential for neuromuscular transmission in nematodes (PubMed: 18463629). It is primarily located on the body-wall muscle cells, where it responds to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to initiate muscle contraction and movement (PubMed: 7001151). This receptor is distinguished by its specific sensitivity to the anthelmintic drug levamisole, which differentiates it from other nicotinic receptor subtypes like the nicotine-sensitive N-subtype (PubMed: 22403575). In parasitic worms, the L-nAChR serves as a major therapeutic target for several classes of drugs, including imidazothiazoles and tetrahydropyrimidines. These drugs function as potent agonists that induce persistent depolarization of the muscle membrane, leading to spastic paralysis and the subsequent expulsion of the parasite from the host (PubMed: 15933160). Resistance to these drugs often arises through mutations or deletions in the genes encoding the receptor subunits, such as unc-38, unc-63, or unc-29 (PubMed: 11447204). Because the subunit composition of nematode L-nAChRs differs significantly from mammalian nicotinic receptors, these drugs exhibit a high degree of selective toxicity, making them vital tools in both human and veterinary medicine.

Other names

Levamisole-sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptorLevamisole receptorNematode L-type nAChRUNC-38/UNC-29/UNC-63 receptor complex

Agonist-induced persistent depolarization of muscle cells leading to spastic paralysis of the nematode.