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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
Signalling pathways in schistosomes: novel targets for control interventions against schistosomiasis
Pengfei Cai1, Donald P McManus1, Hong You1
1Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract:
Over the last decade, there has been accumulating evidence showing that signalling pathways are involved in extensive biological and physiological processes in the human blood fluke schistosomes, playing essential roles in environmental sensing, host penetration, growth, development, maturation, embryogenesis, tissue self-renewal and survival. Owing to the likelihood of resistance developing against praziquantel, the only drug currently available that is effective against all the human schistosome species, there is an urgent requirement for an alternative treatment, arguing for continuing research into novel or repurposed anti-schistosomal drugs. An increasing number of anticancer drugs are being developed which block abnormal signalling pathways, a feature that has stimulated interest in developing novel interventions against human schistosomiasis by targeting key cell signalling components. In this review, we discuss the functional characterization of signal transduction pathways in schistosomes and consider current challenges and future perspectives in this important area of research.
Insights
Signal transduction pathways are crucial for schistosome survival and development. Targeting these pathways offers a promising strategy for developing new drugs against schistosomiasis, especially with rising drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Signaling pathways regulate critical biological processes in schistosomes, including development and survival.
- Praziquantel resistance is a growing concern, necessitating alternative treatments for schistosomiasis.
- Anticancer drugs targeting signaling pathways present a potential avenue for novel anti-schistosomal interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional characterization of signal transduction pathways in schistosomes.
- To explore the potential of targeting these pathways for new schistosomiasis treatments.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in schistosome signaling research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on schistosome signaling pathways.
- Analysis of existing research on anticancer drugs targeting signaling pathways.
- Synthesis of information on the role of signaling in schistosome biology.
Main Results:
- Signaling pathways are essential for schistosome environmental sensing, host penetration, growth, and survival.
- Targeting key cell signaling components is a viable strategy for developing novel anti-schistosomal drugs.
- Anticancer drugs offer a potential source for repurposed anti-schistosomal therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding schistosome signaling pathways is vital for combating schistosomiasis.
- Targeting signal transduction pathways presents a promising strategy for overcoming praziquantel resistance.
- Further research into schistosome signaling pathways and drug repurposing is crucial for future interventions.
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