Inhibitors of de novo folate enzymes in Plasmodium falciparum.
Antifolates, inhibitors of folate synthesis or folate conversion, are used for malaria treatment. They are developed as synergistic combinations of inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and of dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS). DHPS inhibitors are sulfur-based drugs, analogs of sulfanilamide. These compounds compete with para-aminobenzoic acid in the active site of DHPS. The discovery of new antifolates is based on the identification of DHFR inhibitors; little work has been done on sulfur-based drugs because of their toxicity. As a result, only a few sulfur-based drugs are available. In this review, the hypothesis that compounds that compete with pteridine derivatives in active sites of de novo folate enzymes can be used as synergizers of DHFR inhibitors is discussed. If correct, this could lead to the identification of a new family of synergizers of DHFR inhibitors.
Nzila
Alexis
A
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Collaborative Research Program, P.O. Box 230, 80108, Kilifi, Kenya. anzila@kilifi.mimcom.net
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004094:Dihydropteroate Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D013762:Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*
D000962:Antimalarials; D005493:Folic Acid Antagonists; D013762:Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase; D004094:Dihydropteroate Synthase