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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Protocol for Production of a Genetic Cross of the Rodent Malaria Parasites
Published on: January 3, 2011
Chloroquine as intercalator: a hypothesis revived
1Department of Microbiology, City University of New York Medical School, New York, NY 10031, USA.
Abstract:
The mode of action of chloroquine is still controversial. Proposed mechanisms of action include (1) DNA intercalation, (2) lysosome accumulation and (3) binding to ferriprotoporphyrin IX. Recent data suggest that intercalation into parasite DNA can occur at physiological concentrations of the drug. Furthermore, structure-activity relationship studies are most consistent with the intercalation mechanism. Regardless of which mechanism is correct, the selective toxicity of chloroquine for malaria parasites is probably due to permease-mediated uptake.
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