Plasmodium falciparum acyl-CoA-binding protein (PfACBP)

Plasmodium falciparum acyl-CoA-binding protein is a ~10 kDa cytosolic protein characterized by a conserved acyl-CoA-binding domain and an alpha-helical structure typical of the ACBP family. It binds long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters with high affinity, playing an essential role in lipid metabolism, membrane composition, and parasite growth throughout the malaria parasite’s life cycle. It differs structurally from mammalian ACBPs, particularly in its ligand-binding pocket, enabling the possibility of selective inhibition by small molecules, such as mefloquine, which acts as a competitive inhibitor and suppresses parasite proliferation. The protein’s functional importance and druggability make it a promising target for new antimalarial therapeutics.

Other names

PfACBPACBP

Competitive inhibition of acyl-CoA binding (mefloquine occupies acyl-CoA binding site and blocks fatty acid metabolism, preventing parasite growth)