Scientists at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology have discovered a new mechanism that enables malaria parasites to survive artemisinin, the primary anti-malarial drug worldwide. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, highlights that young red blood cells can create a protective environment for the parasites, aiding their resistance to the drug. This research challenges the conventional belief that artemisinin resistance is primarily due to genetic changes in the parasite itself.
The study, led by Christeen Davis and colleagues at BRIC-RGCB, emphasizes the significant role of the host cell’s condition in influencing the effectiveness of malaria treatment. Researchers found that the infected host cell’s state can greatly impact the parasite’s response to drug therapy. This collaborative study involved scientists from BRIC-RGCB, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, Cosmopolitan Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, and CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune.
Dr. Rajesh Chandramohanadas, the senior author of the study and Principal Investigator at RGCB, highlighted the host cell’s biology as a crucial factor in how malaria parasites react to treatment. The study suggests that the parasite utilizes the natural antioxidant defenses in young blood cells to shield itself from drug-induced stress. This finding may explain why some malaria patients exhibit delayed parasite clearance or persistent infection despite standard treatment.
BRIC-RGCB Director Dr. Beena Pillai emphasized the significance of understanding host-parasite interactions in enhancing malaria treatment strategies. The researchers propose that future therapies should not only target the parasite but also the cellular environment that facilitates its survival. This approach could lead to improved outcomes of existing anti-malarial drugs, especially for vulnerable groups like children, anaemic patients, and individuals recovering from blood loss or infections.
The study’s implications are crucial in the global fight against malaria, offering insights into why certain infections endure and how treatment efficacy can be enhanced.
