cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase - A Novel Chemotherapeutic Target.

The primary effector of cGMP signaling in is the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Work in human-infective and rodent-infective has provided biological validation of PKG (PfPKG) as a drug target for treating and/or protecting against malaria. PfPKG is essential in the asexual erythrocytic and sexual cycles as well as the pre-erythrocytic cycle. Medicinal chemistry efforts, both target-based and phenotype-based, have targeted PfPKG in the past few years. This review provides a brief overview of their results and challenges.