A new study published by Dr. Mitreva and collaborators identified 17 inhibitors of key chokepoint enzymes that share efficacy across parasitic worms with very different mode of parasitism. The active inhibitors target three different target classes. Representative inhibitors from each target class also had efficacy in hamsters infected with hookworm, as characterized by negative effects on parasite fecundity.
“Targeting chokepoint enzymes in metabolic pathways has led to new drugs for cancers, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. This is also a cornerstone approach for discovery and development of anthelmintics against nematode and flatworm parasites.”
Identification of small molecule enzyme inhibitors as broad-spectrum anthelmintics. Rahul Tyagi, Mostafa A. Elfawal, Scott A. Wildman, Jon Helander, Christina A. Bulman, Judy Sakanari, Bruce A. Rosa, Paul J. Brindley, James W. Janetka, Raffi V. Aroian & Makedonka Mitreva. Scientific Reports volume 9, Article number: 9085 (2019)