Predict acquisition of artemisinin resistance in Malaria parasites – PAAR
The acquisition of artemisinin resistance by the parasite has been studied using cellular biology, quantitative proteomics, immuno-detection, and genomics approaches.
The study showed that the majority of the resistant parasites selected did not carry a mutation in the K13 gene. In addition, some of them were sensitive to drugs when they were very young but became resistant when they were older. In the field, such parasites would completely escape the detection tests currently in use. The study also showed that these resistant parasites were capable of being transmitted to the mosquito vector, raising concerns about the risk of these new resistant parasites spreading.
This discovery is a major warning about the need to adapt detection tools and refine current protocols in order to improve monitoring of artemisinin resistance indicators, particularly in Africa, where this parasite continues to be a major cause of mortality, especially among children. The study was published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
The fight against malaria faces to the emergence and massive spread in Asia of resistance of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum to the antimalarial drugs artemisinins. Artemisinins are the core component of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) combining an artemisinin derivative with another antimalarial molecule. In 2020, artemisinin-resistant parasites are now also reported in South-America, and in Africa where by 2040 artemisinin resistance will lead to an increase in the incidence of several million cases. Worryingly no current drugs can replace ACTs in the short to medium term. To date, artemisinin resistance is only tracking once emerged. My project aims to explore the biology of parasites under artemisinins pressure in order to identify predictive markers of the acquisition of artemisinin resistance in the parasite Plasmodium. Such tools could alert as soon as possible to improve decision-making process for malaria treatment policies.
Project coordination
Lucie PALOQUE (LABORATOIRE DE CHIMIE DE COORDINATION)
The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.
Partnership
LCC LABORATOIRE DE CHIMIE DE COORDINATION
Help of the ANR 300,384 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project:
September 2021
- 42 Months
