Authors: De Souza, M.V.N.; Ferreira, M.L.; Pinheiro, A.C.; Saraiva, M.F.; Almeida, M.V.; Valle, M.S.
Source: The Scientific World Journal, v. 8, p. 720-751, 2008
Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
Mycolic acids are an important class of compounds, basically found in the cell walls of a group of bacteria known as mycolata taxon, exemplified by the most famous bacteria of this group, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb.), the agent responsible for the disease known as tuberculosis (TB). Mycolic acids are important for the survival of M. tb.For example, they are able to help fight against hydrophobic drugs and dehydration, and also allow this bacterium to be more effective in the host’s immune system by growing inside macrophages. Due to the importance of the mycolic acids for maintenance of the integrity of the mycobacterial cell wall, these compounds become attractive cellular targets for the development of novel drugs against TB. In this context, the aim of this article is to highlight the importance of mycolic acids in drug discovery.Keywords: tuberculosis, mycolic acid, drug discovery Document Type: Research Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2008.99 Publication date: 31 de Julho de 2008
