title: FKBPs in bacterial infections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) contain a domain with peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans-isomerase (PPIase) activity and bind the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and rapamycin. FKBPs belong to the immunophilin family and are found in eukaryotes and bacteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review we describe two major groups of bacterial virulence-associated FKBPs, the trigger factor and Mip-like PPIases. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of host FKBPs in bacterial infection processes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since PPIases are regarded as alternative antiinfective drug targets we highlight current research strategies utilizing pipecolinic acid and cycloheximide derivatives as well as substrate based inhibitors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current research strategies suggest a beneficial synergism of drug development and basic research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Proline-directed Foldases: Cell Signaling Catalysts and Drug Targets.
authors.affiliation: Türk-Alman Üniversitesi, Fen Fakültesi, Istanbul, Turkey; Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Mikrobiologie, Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: Can M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Ünal
authors.affiliation: Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Mikrobiologie, Braunschweig, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany. Electronic address: m.steinert@tu-bs.de.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steinert
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003513:Cycloheximide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019696:Peptidylprolyl Isomerase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000737:chemistry; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000737:chemistry; D022021:Tacrolimus Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D037521:Virulence Factors; D003513:Cycloheximide; D022021:Tacrolimus Binding Proteins; D019696:Peptidylprolyl Isomerase; D020123:Sirolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus
keywords: Bacteria; Drug target; FK506-binding protein; Infection; Macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip); Pathogen