Work

Small Molecule Inhibitors as Countermeasures for Botulinum Neurotoxin Intoxication

Year: 2010

Type: review

Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent of known toxins and are listed as category A biothreat agents by the U.S. CDC. The BoNT-mediated proteolysis of SNARE proteins inhibits the exocytosis of acetylcholine into neuromuscular junctions, leading to life-threatening flaccid paralysis. Currently, the only therapy for BoNT intoxication (which results in the disease state botulism) includes experimental preventative antibodies and long-term supportive care. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and develop inhibitors that will serve as both prophylactic agents and post-exposure 'rescue' therapeutics. This review focuses on recent progress to discover and develop small molecule inhibitors as therapeutic countermeasures for BoNT intoxication.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules16010202

Authors: Bing Li, Norton P. Peet, Michelle M. Butler, James C. Burnett, Donald T. Moir, Terry L. Bowlin

Institutions: Microbiotix (United States), National Cancer Institute, Science Applications International Corporation (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258