Characterization of molecular targets as a strategy for the development of new anthelmintics: A literature review.

Haemonchosis is a parasitic disease caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus, which severely damages livestock health through hematophagy, leading to yield losses and, in some cases, host death. Resistance of parasites to current drugs intensifies the need for research on new anthelmintics. This study conducted a literature review of molecular targets of H. contortus. An integrative review covered 2015-2025 using the descriptors "Haemonchus contortus," "molecular targets" and "action" in PubMed and ScienceDirect. Thirteen ScienceDirect and three PubMed articles met the criteria. Eight molecular target families were identified; three show resistance: cholinergic receptors, glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) and microtubules (α- and β-tubulin). Several unexplored targets offer potential for new anthelmintics: thioredoxin reductase (HcTrxR3), cys-loop ligand-gated chloride channels, a novel cholinergic ligand-gated chloride channel subtype (LGC-39), phosphoethanolamine N-methyltransferases 1 and 2 (HcPMT-1/2), and the ubiquitination pathway. Thus, the findings of this review contribute to the expanding knowledge about molecular targets in H. contortus, providing theoretical support for future investigations and for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the control of haemonchosis.