Inhibitor of Cysteine Protease of Plasmodium malariae Regulates Malapains, Endogenous Cysteine Proteases of the Parasite.

ABSTRACT: Cysteine proteases of malaria parasites have been recognized as potential targets in antimalarial drug development as they play pivotal roles in the biology of these parasites. However, strict regulation of their activities is also necessary to minimize or prevent deleterious damage to the parasite and the host. Previously, we have characterized falcipain family cysteine proteases of Plasmodium malariae, named as malapains (MPs). MPs are active hemoglobinases. They also may participate in the release of merozoites from mature schizonts by facilitating remodeling of erythrocyte skeleton proteins. In this study, we identified and characterized an endogenous inhibitor of cysteine protease of P. malariae (PmICP). PmICP shared similar structural and biochemical properties with ICP

SUBMITTER: Le HG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9142985 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature