Plasmodium falciparum choline transporter (PfCHT)

The Plasmodium falciparum choline transporter (PfCHT) is a specialized membrane protein essential for the survival and replication of the malaria parasite during its intraerythrocytic stage (Biagini et al., 2004, PMID: 15298956). It facilitates the high-affinity uptake of choline from the host plasma, which the parasite utilizes as a primary precursor for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine through the Kennedy pathway (Lehane et al., 2004, PMID: 15155567). Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid in the parasite's rapidly expanding membranes, making this transport process a critical metabolic bottleneck. Because the parasite lacks the ability to synthesize choline de novo, PfCHT has emerged as a promising target for antimalarial drug development (Vial et al., 2003, PMID: 12815158). Compounds such as albitiazolium (T3) act by potently inhibiting this transporter, effectively starving the parasite of necessary building blocks for membrane formation and leading to cell death. A key challenge in targeting PfCHT is ensuring high selectivity to avoid interfering with human choline transporters, such as CHT1, which are vital for neurotransmission and systemic lipid metabolism.

Other names

Choline transporterPfCHT1Choline/H+ symporterPF3D7_1343500

Inhibition of choline uptake into the parasite, leading to the depletion of phosphatidylcholine and disruption of membrane synthesis.