Fine targeting of purine salvage in Cryptosporidium parasites.
The apicomplexan pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum poses major logistical problems in the search for effective drug treatments. These treatments are required urgently because this parasite can cause severe disease and death in immunocompromised individuals and young children. In a recent study, the dependence of Cryptosporidium parasites on a single salvage pathway that leads to essential purine derivatives has been exploited and inhibitors have been identified that selectively target a key enzyme in this salvage process, inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase.
Hyde
John E
JE
Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. john.hyde@manchester.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D018503:Genome, Protozoan; D007168:IMP Dehydrogenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011687:Purines / Q000378:metabolism*
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D011687:Purines; D007168:IMP Dehydrogenase