Plasmodium protein

The term "Plasmodium protein" is a generic designation for any protein produced by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are the causative agents of malaria (Gardner et al., 2002, Nature). This category encompasses thousands of distinct proteins involved in the parasite's complex life cycle, including host cell invasion, nutrient uptake, and immune evasion (Cowman et al., 2016, Cell). Because it does not specify a particular molecule, it cannot be classified as a single therapeutic target or receptor. Specific Plasmodium proteins that serve as established drug targets include dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the cytochrome bc1 complex, and various ion transporters like PfATP4 (White et al., 2014, Lancet). These proteins are essential for the parasite's survival within the human host and are the focus of various antimalarial drug discovery programs. Identifying a specific protein is essential for the development of targeted antimalarial therapies and vaccines, such as those targeting the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) used in the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine.

Other names

Malarial proteinPlasmodium falciparum proteinPlasmodium vivax protein

Various mechanisms including inhibition of heme detoxification, inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase, and disruption of mitochondrial electron transport (White et al., 2014, Lancet).