Enzymes of Parasite Thiol Metabolism as Drug Targets

Abstract The potential for chemotherapeutic exploitation of thiol metabolism in parasitic protozoa is reviewed here by Luise Krauth-Siegel and Graham Coombs. The review is based largely on discussions held at a meeting of the COST B9 Action entitled ‘Chemotherapy of Protozoal Infections'**The COST B9 Action is a five-year programme, initiated in October 1997 and funded by the European Union, that aims to identify, evaluate and develop new drugs against parasitic protozoa (see http://www.icp.ucl.ac.be/∼opperd/cost_b9.html). The Action includes ‘Expert Group Meetings'. The first one, on thiol metabolism, was held in Heidelberg, Germany, 22–23 October 1998, had 25 participants and was co-ordinated by Luise Krauth-Siegel and Christine Clayton.. The major questions posed were: which enzymes are the best to target; what further information is required to allow their use for rational drug development; and how can this be achieved most efficiently? Not surprisingly, only partial answers could be obtained in many cases, but the interactive discussion between the multidisciplinary group of participants provided thought-provoking ideas and will help direct future research.