Chemotherapeutic targets for antiparasitic therapy

Despite the worldwide importance of parasitic diseases, antiparasitic chemotherapy is faced with spreading resistance and a lack of interest from pharmaceutical companies. In recent years, however, powerful new research techniques, such as high-throughput screening and advanced proteomics, have emerged and allowed the identification of new molecules and potential targets. In addition, some new antiparasitic drugs benefited from antiretroviral and anticancer research. Since parasites share many metabolic routes with their hosts, efficient drugs must reach them without being harmful to the patient, and in this respect, selectivity is a key parameter. In this review, we cover the most important chemotherapeutic targets thus far identified within the complex host-parasite relationships.