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Plasmodium ookinete-secreted chitinase and parasite penetration of the mosquito peritrophic matrix

  • University of Texas

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Malaria transmission-blocking strategies aimed at disrupting parasite-mosquito interactions have the potential to make important contributions to global malaria control. It has been suggested that Plasmodium-secreted chitinase plays a crucial role in allowing the ookinete to initiate its invasion of the mosquito midgut, which suggests that this enzyme is a candidate target for blocking malaria transmission. In this review, the authors discuss Plasmodium chitinases from the molecular, biochemical and cell biology viewpoints. Future directions of study could involve developing strategies for interrupting the function of Plasmodium chitinases within the mosquito midgut, including transmission-blocking drugs or vaccines, or the development of chitinase-inhibitor-producing transgenic mosquitoes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)269-272
Number of pages4
JournalTrends in Parasitology
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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