Lipid Transport in Plasmodium: Role as Possible Target for Novel Chemotherapy Against Malaria

Abstract

Lipid trafficking pathways in malaria-infected erythrocytes are complex because the malaria parasite is separated from the serum by the erythrocyte and parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM). The PVM lipids in malaria-infected erythrocytes are derived from host cells. Lipid rafts which are cholesterol and sphingolipid enriched membrane domains appear to be involved in malaria infection. Thus, perturbation of lipid raft specific lipids in the host erythrocyte membrane can influence the cell's ability to be infected. This paper attempts to discuss novel approaches in the treatment of malaria infection by targeting and manipulating host cell lipids based on recent discoveries on the role of lipid rafts in malaria pathogenesis.