Parasitic metabolic pathways

Parasitic metabolic pathways are collections of essential biochemical reactions within parasites that support their survival, growth, and pathogenesis. These pathways often differ substantially from those in human hosts, making them attractive for selective therapeutic targeting. Key targets include enzymes of glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the citric acid (TCA) cycle, shikimate pathway, and unique nucleotide or cofactor biosynthesis routes. Inhibitors of these metabolic enzymes have been validated in several parasitic diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and helminthic infections; however, the term "parasitic metabolic pathways" itself is not a specific molecule or drug target but rather a broad conceptual category encompassing multiple validated and prospective targets for antiparasitic drug development[2][3][4][6][7][8].

Inhibition of key metabolic enzymes (e.g., glycolysis, TCA cycle); Disruption of unique parasite-only pathways (e.g., shikimate pathway); Targeting essential cofactor or metabolite synthesis; Blocking parasite energy production