A high-throughput screen targeting malaria transmission stages opens new avenues for drug development

Buchholz, K., Burke, T. A., Williamson, K. C., Wiegand, R. C., Wirth, D. F. and Marti, M. (2011) A high-throughput screen targeting malaria transmission stages opens new avenues for drug development. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 203(10), pp. 1445-1453. (doi: 10.1093/infdis/jir037) (PMID:21502082) (PMCID:PMC3080890)

Abstract

A major goal of the worldwide malaria eradication program is the reduction and eventual elimination of malaria transmission. All currently available antimalarial compounds were discovered on the basis of their activity against the asexually reproducing red blood cell stages of the parasite, which are responsible for the morbidity and mortality of human malaria. Resistance against these compounds is widespread, and there is an urgent need for novel approaches to reduce the emergence of resistance to new antimalarials as they are introduced. We have established and validated the first high-throughput assay targeting the red blood cell parasite stage required for transmission, the sexually reproducing gametocyte. This assay will permit identification of compounds specifically targeting the transmission stages in addition to the asexual stage parasites. Such stage-specific compounds may be used in a combination therapy, reducing the emergence of resistance by blocking transmission of resistant parasites that may be selected in a patient.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Marti, Professor Matthias
• Authors: Buchholz, K., Burke, T. A., Williamson, K. C., Wiegand, R. C., Wirth, D. F., and Marti, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0022-1899
• ISSN (Online): 1537-6613
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2011 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Infectious Diseases 203(10):1445-1453
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License