Peptide deformylase of eukaryotic protists: a target for new antiparasitic agents?

Peptide deformylase is found only in Eubacteria, making it a logical target for discovering new antibacterial agents. Although this protein is absent from animal or fungal cells, evidence supports its existence in eukaryotic protists, including the causative agents of malaria, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniosis. Here, Thierry Meinnel discusses the idea that deformylase inhibitors could be used as very broad-spectrum antibiotics against bacterial infections, as well as parasitic diseases.