Transport processes in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes:: potential as new drug targets

Plasmodium falciparum infection induces alterations in the transport properties of infected erythrocytes that have recently been defined using electrophysiological techniques. Mechanisms responsible for transport of substrates into intraerythrocytic parasites have also been clarified by studies of three substrate-specific (hexose, nucleoside and aquaglyceroporin) parasite plasma membrane transporters. These have been characterised functionally using the Xenopus laevis oocyte heterologous expression system. The same expression system is currently being used to define the function of parasite 'P' type ATPases responsible for intraparasitic [Ca2+] homeostasis. We review studies on these transport processes and examine their potential as novel drug targets. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. on behalf of Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.