Targeting isocitrate lyase for the treatment of latent tuberculosis

Ram Prasad Bhusal, Ghader Bashiri, Brooke X.C. Kwai, Jonathan Sperry, Ivanhoe K.H. Leung

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can remain dormant for many years before becoming active. One way to control and eliminate TB is the identification and treatment of latent TB, preventing infected individuals from developing active TB and thus eliminating the subsequent spread of the disease. Isocitrate lyase (ICL) is involved in the mycobacterial glyoxylate and methylisocitrate cycles. ICL is important for the growth and survival of M. tuberculosis during latent infection. ICL is not present in humans and is therefore a potential therapeutic target for the development of anti-TB agents. Here, we explore the evidence linking ICL to persistent survival of M. tuberculosis. The structure, mechanism and inhibition of the enzyme is also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1008-1016
Number of pages9
JournalDrug Discovery Today
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2017
Externally publishedYes

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