Anti-Infective Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Infective Agents) - Volume 8, Issue 2, 2009

TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a key mediator of the innate immune response to infection. While TRAIL-mediated apoptosis plays an essential role in the clearance of virus-infected cells, its physiologic role also includes immunosurveilance for cancer cells. Therapeutics that induce TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells remain a focus of ongoing investigation in clinical trials, and much has been learned fro Read More

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Currently four nucleoside analogues (lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, and telbivudine) are available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The oral nucleos(t)ide analogues are generally better tolerated than interferon, but when administered for lengthy periods, a major concern is the antiviral-resistant mut Read More

The first function attributed to lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein belonging to the non-immune natural defences, was antimicrobial activity related to its capability of sequestering iron. Many other antimicrobial and antiviral functions have been ascribed to lactoferrin. In vitro activity towards human pathogenic fungi on the part of both human and bovine lactoferrin has been well documented as well. The antifungal activity ap Read More

The molecular structures, properties and energies of a molecule are better understood through the use of the “mechanical” molecular model. This model involves the development of a simple molecular mechanics energy equation representing the sum of various energy interaction terms comprised of bonds, angles, torsions of bonded, as well as, nonbonded atoms. Referred to as “force fields”, the model serves as a simpl Read More

Endophthalmitis is an eye inflammation, involving the vitreous cavity and its surrounding tissues responsible for vision. In most cases, an infection triggers this inflammation. The infection can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. The occurrence of this severe and devastating inflammation can be related to surgical procedures, penetrating ocular trauma, and endogenous infections. Post-operative endophthal Read More