DIHYDROOROTATE DEHYDROGENASE AS ANTIFUNGAL DRUG TARGET AND QUINAZOLINONE-BASED INHIBITORS THEREOF

摘要

A method of identifying an antifungal agent which targets a DHODH protein (alias PyrE, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, EC: 1.3.99.11) of a fungus comprising contacting a candidate substance with a fungal DHODH protein and determining whether the candidate substance binds or modulates the DHODH protein, wherein binding or modulation indicates that the candidate substance is an antifungal agent. Specific examples concern Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans DHODH proteins. DHODH inhibitors with a Quinazolinone core are also disclosed.