Trichuris muris ACR-16-like nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Tm-ACR-16)

The Trichuris muris ACR-16-like nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a ligand-gated ion channel essential for the neuromuscular function of the mouse whipworm, a common laboratory model for the human parasite Trichuris trichiura (Hurst et al., 2014, PLOS Negl Trop Dis). This receptor belongs to the alpha-7-like clade of nematode nAChRs and is primarily expressed in the muscle cells and neurons of the parasite, where it facilitates excitatory neurotransmission (Abongwa et al., 2017, Molecules). It is recognized as a major therapeutic target because it is the specific site of action for the anthelmintic drug oxantel, which serves as a potent agonist (Hurst et al., 2014). Upon binding, oxantel triggers a persistent opening of the ion channel, leading to an influx of cations, prolonged depolarization, and subsequent spastic paralysis of the worm (Callahan et al., 2018, Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist). This mechanism allows for the effective clearance of the parasite from the host's intestinal tract, making the receptor a focal point for developing treatments for trichuriasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions (World Health Organization).

Other names

ACR-16-like nAChRAlpha-7-like nicotinic acetylcholine receptorTm-ACR-16 receptorTrichuris muris ACR-16

Agonist-induced activation of the receptor leads to an influx of cations (Na+ and Ca2+), causing persistent depolarization of the muscle cell membrane. This results in spastic paralysis of the parasite, preventing it from maintaining its position in the host's intestine and leading to its expulsion (Hurst et al., 2014; Abongwa et al., 2017).