Title:Protozoan Parasites Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchors: Structures, Functions and Trends for Drug Discovery
Volume: 26
Issue: 23
关键词:
糖基磷脂酰肌醇(GPI),磷脂酰肌醇,原生动物,脂肽磷酸聚糖(LPPG),药物发现,免疫疗法。
摘要:
Background: Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors are molecules located on cell
membranes of all eukaryotic organisms. Proteins, enzymes, and other macromolecules which are anchored
by GPIs are essential elements for interaction between cells, and are widely used by protozoan
parasites when compared to higher eukaryotes.
Methods: More than one hundred references were collected to obtain broad information about mammalian
and protozoan parasites’ GPI structures, biosynthetic pathways, functions and attempts to use these
molecules as drug targets against parasitic diseases. Differences between GPI among species were compared
and highlighted. Strategies for drug discovery and development against protozoan GPI anchors
were discussed based on what has been reported on literature.
Results: There are many evidences that GPI anchors are crucial for parasite’s survival and interaction
with hosts’ cells. Despite all GPI anchors contain a conserved glycan core, they present variations regarding
structural features and biosynthetic pathways between organisms, which could offer adequate
selectivity to validate GPI anchors as drug targets. Discussion was developed with focus on the following
parasites: Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania, Plasmodium falciparum and
Toxoplasma gondii, causative agents of tropical neglected diseases.
Conclusion: This review debates the main variances between parasitic and mammalian GPI anchor biosynthesis
and structures, as well as clues for strategic development for new anti-parasitic therapies based
on GPI anchors.