When Secretomes Meet Anthelmintics: Lessons for Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract

Helminth secretomes comprise many potential immunomodulators. The molecular and functional diversity of these entities and their importance at the host-parasite interface have been increasingly recognized. It is now common to hypothesize that parasite-derived molecules (PDMs) are essential mediators used by parasites to establish and remain in their hosts. Suppression of PDM release has been reported for two anthelmintic drug classes, the benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones, the mechanisms of action of which remain incompletely resolved. We propose that bringing together recent insights from different streams of parasitology research, for example, immunoparasitology and pharmacology, will stimulate the development of new ways to alter the host-parasite interface in the search for novel anthelmintic strategies.

Keywords: anthelmintic; drug discovery; helminth; host–parasite interface; secretomes.