Kinoplastid papain-like cystein peptidases

Conor R. Caffrey, Dietmar Steverding

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cysteine peptidases are important for growth and survival of kinetoplastid parasites. The best characterised are those homologous to mammalian cathepsins B and L. To address a somewhat confusing terminology, we introduce a unifying nomenclature for kinetoplastid CATB and CATL peptidases. We review their evolutionary relatedness, genomic organisation, developmental expression, subcellular location and physiological functions. In addition, the applications of kinetoplastid CATB and CATL enzymes as vaccine candidates, diagnostic markers and drug targets are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-19
Number of pages8
JournalMolecular and Biochemical Parasitology
Volume167
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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