Membrane sterol profiles differ between humans and Leishmania parasites, and the sterol pathway has been investigated for potential therapeutic targets. Recently, mutants of the C14α-sterol demethylase in Leishmania major were found to have several major alterations such as increased membrane fluidity, hypersensitivity to heat stress, and severe reduction of virulence.
Keywords: Leishmania sp.; antileishmanial agents; biological target; sterol metabolism.
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