Improved trypanocidal activities of cathepsin L inhibitors

Nkemgu, Njinkeng Joseph, Grande, Rachel, Hansell, Elizabeth, McKerrow, James H., Caffrey, Conor R. and Steverding, Dietmar (2003) Improved trypanocidal activities of cathepsin L inhibitors. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 22 (2). pp. 155-159. ISSN 1872-7913

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Abstract

The major lysosomal cysteine proteinase of African trypanosomes is a candidate target for novel chemotherapy of sleeping sickness. This cathepsin L-like enzyme is termed rhodesain and brucipain in Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei brucei, respectively. Three potent and selective dipeptidyl cathepsin L inhibitors have been investigated for their trypanocidal activities in vitro using culture-adapted bloodstream forms of T. b. brucei. Compared with general cysteine proteinase inhibitors used previously by ourselves and others, the present inhibitors had improved selectivity indices and, importantly, anti-trypanosomal activities comparable with those of commercial anti-sleeping sickness drugs. Using purified recombinant rhodesain, potent k(inact)/Ki values of up to 2.3x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) were recorded with the inhibitors. Also, all inhibitors blocked proteinolysis in the lysosome consistent with the inhibition of rhodesain/brucipain. In conclusion, the data support the potential of cathepsin L inhibitors for rational anti-trypanosomal drug development.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Gastroenterology and Gut Biology
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:10
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2022 03:00
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/13353
DOI:	10.1016/S0924-8579(03)00096-7

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