Aspartic proteases of Plasmodium falciparum and other parasitic protozoa as drug targets

All parasitic protozoa contain multiple proteases, some of which are attrac ting attention as drug targets. Aspartic proteases are already the targets of some clinically useful drugs (e.g. chemotherapy of HIV infection) and a variety of factors make these enzymes appealing to those seeking novel anti parasite therapies. This review provides a critical analysis of the current knowledge on Plasmodium aspartic proteases termed plasmepsins, proposes a definitive nomenclature for this group of enzymes, and compares these enzym es with aspartic proteases of humans and other parasitic protozoa. The pres ent status of attempts to obtain specific inhibitors of the parasite enzyme s that will be useful as drugs is outlined and suggestions for future resea rch priorities are proposed.