Anti-parasitic drugs modulate the non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins

Highlights

• Some anti-parasitic drugs also block connexin- or pannexin-formed channels; the possible effect of others need to be tested.

• Gap junction proteins are present in worms, ectoparasites and protozoa. But their role in the parasitic infections is not yet fully understood.

• Much remains to be done, the effect of anti-parasitic drugs such as albenzadol, nifurtimox, DHA, on channels formed by gap proteins should be studied.

Abstract

The proteins connexins, innexins, and pannexins are the subunits of non-selective channels present in the cell membrane in vertebrates (connexins and pannexins) and invertebrates (innexins). These channels allow the transfer of ions and molecules across the cell membrane or, and in many cases, between the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. These channels participate in various physiological processes, particularly under pathophysiological conditions, such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Interestingly, some anti-parasitic drugs also block connexin- or pannexin-formed channels. Their effects on host channels permeable to molecules that favor parasitic infection can further explain the anti-parasitic effects of some of these compounds. In this review, the effects of drugs with known anti-parasitic activity that modulate non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins are discussed. Previous studies that have reported the presence of these proteins in worms, ectoparasites, and protozoa that cause parasitic infections have also been reviewed.