The Journey to Discovering a Flatworm Target of Praziquantel: A Long TRP

Trends Parasitol. 2020 Feb;36(2):182-194. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.11.002. Epub 2019 Nov 29.

Abstract

Infections caused by parasitic flatworms impose a considerable worldwide health burden. One of the most impactful is schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic blood flukes. Treatment of schistosomiasis has relied on a single drug - praziquantel (PZQ) - for decades. The utility of PZQ as an essential medication is, however, intertwined with a stark gap in our knowledge as to how this drug works. No flatworm target has been identified that readily explains how PZQ paralyzes and damages schistosomes. Recently, a schistosome ion channel was discovered that is activated by PZQ and displays characteristics which mirror key features of PZQ action on schistosomes. Here, the journey to discovery of this target, properties of this ion channel, and remaining questions are reviewed.

Keywords: anthelmintic; drug therapy; flatworm; schistosomiasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacology
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Ion Channels / drug effects
  • Praziquantel / pharmacology*
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Schistosoma / drug effects*
  • Schistosomiasis / drug therapy
  • Schistosomiasis / parasitology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Ion Channels
  • Praziquantel