Parasite Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases as Drug Discovery Targets to Treat Human Protozoan Pathogens
2011

Targeting Protozoan MAPKs for Drug Discovery

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Michael J. Brumlik, Srilakshmi Pandeswara, Sara M. Ludwig, Kruthi Murthy, Tyler J. Curiel

Primary Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA

Hypothesis

Can protozoan mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) be targeted for developing better therapies against human protozoan pathogens?

Conclusion

Protozoan MAPKs are promising targets for drug development due to their essential roles in pathogen survival and their distinct differences from human MAPKs.

Supporting Evidence

  • Protozoan MAPKs are essential for various functions critical to pathogen survival.
  • Targeting protozoan MAPKs could lead to the development of drugs with fewer side effects on humans.
  • MAPKs in protozoan pathogens are structurally distinct from human MAPKs, making them ideal drug targets.

Takeaway

Scientists are looking at special proteins in tiny germs that make people sick to create new medicines. These proteins are different from those in humans, so the new drugs might not hurt us.

Methodology

The review discusses the roles of MAPKs in various protozoan pathogens and their potential as drug targets.

Limitations

The review is based on existing literature and may not cover all aspects of MAPK functions in protozoan pathogens.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/971968

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication