Question: Hannah: how do you know what molecules to try out on your parasites?

Hannah Bolt answered on 11 Nov 2016:

Hi James,

That’s a great question!

The molecules I make to test against parasites that cause leishmaniaisis (the disease I work on) are all similar to a group of compounds called ‘antimicrobial peptides’. Antimicrobial peptides are made by many organisms in nature as part of their immune response. For example, tree frogs in the rainforest produce antimicrobial peptides in their skin to help keep themselves safe from bacteria and fungi.

These antimicrobial peptides have been used by nature for thousands of years, so are good inspiration for potential new drugs. However, the problem with antimicrobial peptides is that they aren’t very stable in the body and get broken down really quickly by things called enzymes.

The molecules I make are very similar to antimicrobial peptides, but have had their structures changed to make them more stable in the body. So I take inspiration from nature when I design my molecules and then make small changes to make their properties better for use as drugs (i.e. more soluble, more stable, better activity).

I hope that answers your question? Please feel free to ask more questions below if you want to know more!

Hannah