Targeting Echinococcus multilocularis PIM kinase for improving anti-parasitic chemotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The potentially lethal zoonosis alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Current AE treatment options are limited and rely on surgery as well as on chemotherapy involving benzimidazoles (BZ). BZ treatment, however, is mostly parasitostatic only, must be given for prolonged time periods, and is associated with adverse side effects. Novel treatment options are thus urgently needed.

Methodology/principal findings

By applying a broad range of kinase inhibitors to E. multilocularis stem cell cultures we identified the proto-oncogene PIM kinase as a promising target for anti-AE chemotherapy. The gene encoding the respective E. multilocularis ortholog, EmPim, was characterized and in situ hybridiz

SUBMITTER: Koike A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9560627 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature