Towards Species-specific Antifolates

Authors: Chan, D. C.M.; Anderson, A. C.

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 13, Number 4, February 2006 , pp. 377-398(22)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) plays an essential role in cellular biochemistry and has been a wellrecognized drug target for over fifty years. Antifolate inhibitors of DHFR, including clinically used therapeutics such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, and pyrimethamine have been successful as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic agents. As resistant strains of these microorganisms evolve and as new disease threats arise, the need for new antifolates that are potent and specific for infectious organisms becomes more pressing. Several new antifolates have been reported over the past decade; many of these are potent against a particular species of DHFR, but achieving the goal of potency and selectivity has proven to be more difficult. This review will describe recent advances in attaining species selectivity in developing new antifolates. Specifically, advances in developing inhibitors against Pneumocystis jirovecii and Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agents in pneumocystis pneumonia and malaria, respectively, will be presented.

Keywords: Antifolate; DHFR; Pneumocystis; Plasmodium; trimethoprim; pyrimethamine; pyrimidine; pteridine

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA.

Publication date: 2006-02-01

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Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.