Mycophenolic acid and its derivatives as potential chemotherapeutic agents targeting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase in Trypanosoma congolense

Suganuma K, Sarwono AEY, Mitsuhashi S, Jąkalski M, Okada T, Nthatisi M, Yamagishi J, Ubukata M, Inoue N

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its derivatives for Trypanosoma congolense. The proliferation of T. congolense was completely inhibited by adding {\textless}1 mu M MPA and its derivatives. In addition, the IMP dehydrogenase in T. congolense was molecularly characterized as the target of these compounds. The results suggest that MPA and its derivatives have the potential to be new candidates as novel trypanocidal drugs.