- Plasmodium species and related parasites appear to produce type II fatty acid synthase enzymes that are distinct from the type I enzymes found in humans.
- This allows the development of selective inhibitors of the parasite enzymes and lead compounds already identified, are being developed.
- Of particular interest are the Beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase (KAS) enzymes.
- Thiolactomycin, an antibiotic, and its derivatives have been studies as leads for the development of FAS inhibitors in Plasmodium.
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