The kynurenine pathway and parasitic infections that affect CNS function
Nicholas H Hunt1, Lay Khoon Too1, Loke Tim Khaw1
1Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Neuropharmacology
|March 1, 2016
Summary
The kynurenine pathway, crucial for tryptophan metabolism, impacts brain function and immunity. This review explores its role in malaria and toxoplasmosis, particularly concerning central nervous system (CNS) function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major metabolic route for tryptophan.
- KP metabolites influence various physiological processes, including brain function and immune responses.
- Dysregulation of the KP is linked to several diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the kynurenine pathway in host responses to parasitic infections.
- To emphasize the impact of the KP on central nervous system (CNS) function during malaria and toxoplasmosis.
- To highlight the significance of KP metabolites in disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the kynurenine pathway.
- Analysis of host responses in malaria and toxoplasmosis.
- Examination of KP's influence on CNS function.
Main Results:
- The kynurenine pathway plays a significant role in host defense against malaria and toxoplasmosis.
- KP metabolites impact neuroinflammation and neuronal function during these infections.
- Tryptophan depletion and metabolite accumulation contribute to disease pathology.
Conclusions:
- The kynurenine pathway is a critical factor in the host-parasite interaction during malaria and toxoplasmosis.
- Targeting the kynurenine pathway may offer therapeutic strategies for managing CNS complications.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the KP's role in parasitic diseases.
Keywords:
Cerebral malariaIndoleamine 2,3-dioxygenaseInterferon-γKynurenine pathwayMalariaToxoplasmaTryptophanMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids
1.5K
Nucleic acid biosynthesis is a fundamental biochemical process that produces the purine and pyrimidine nucleotides essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This pathway maintains a balanced nucleotide pool, preventing imbalances that could jeopardize genetic integrity and cellular function. Given the crucial role of nucleotides, their synthesis is tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular homeostasis.Purine BiosynthesisThe biosynthesis of purine nucleotides begins with ribose-5-phosphate, a...
1.5K
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
695
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
695
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
37
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
37
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
25
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
25
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
2.5K
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
2.5K
01:27Pharmacogenetics of Phase II Enzymes: N-acetyltransferase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
59
Phase II biotransformation reactions are essential for detoxifying and eliminating xenobiotics, including many pharmaceutical compounds. These reactions typically involve conjugation, the covalent attachment of polar endogenous groups such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, methyl, or acetyl moieties to functional groups introduced during Phase I metabolism. The resulting conjugates are more water-soluble, enabling efficient renal or biliary excretion.The major classes of Phase II enzymes include...
59