Cathepsin B1 from the Human Blood Fluke: A Drug Target for Treatment of Schistosomiasis

Authors

  • A. Jílková Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague
  • M. Horn Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague
  • M. Mareš Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague

Keywords:

cathepsin, protease, proteolysis, schistosoma, parasite, inhibitor, chemotherapeutics, vaccine

Abstract

Schistosomiasis represents a global health problem with over 200 million people infected. It is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma that live in the human cardiovascular system, feeding on blood. Digestive protease cathepsin B1 of Schistosoma mansoni (SmCB1) plays a critical role in the proteolysis of host blood proteins and was identified as a target for chemotherapy of schistosomiasis. This review provides an update on function and structure of SmCB1, and novel intervention strategies against schistosomiasis based on SmCB1 inhibitors and vaccines.

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Published

2018-01-15

How to Cite

Jílková, A., Horn, M., & Mareš, M. (2018). Cathepsin B1 from the Human Blood Fluke: A Drug Target for Treatment of Schistosomiasis. Chemické Listy, 112(1), 3–9. Retrieved from http://w.chemicke-listy.cz/ojs3/index.php/chemicke-listy/article/view/2960

Issue

Vol. 112 No. 1 (2018)

Section

Articles