Lipid peroxidation and its repair in malaria parasites

During its life cycle, the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is subjected to elevated levels of oxidative stress that cause damage to membrane lipids, a process referred to as lipid peroxidation. Control and repair of lipid peroxidation is critical for survival of P. falciparum. Here, we present an introduction into lipid peroxidation and review the current knowledge about the control and repair of the damage caused by lipid peroxidation in P. falciparum blood stages. We also review the recent identification of host peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6), as a key lipid-peroxidation-repair enzyme in P. falciparum blood stages. Such critical host factors provide novel targets for development of drugs against malaria.

Automated summary

During its life cycle, the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress, causing lipid peroxidation. This study explores the control and repair of lipid peroxidation damage in the P. falciparum blood stages. The identification of host peroxiredoxin 6 as a key enzyme for repairing lipid peroxidation provides potential targets for malaria drugs.