Drug design based on the structure of LTA4 hydrolase

摘要

The present invention relates to an isolated leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolase, which LTA4 hydrolase is present in its naturally occurring three dimensional form. It is the first three-dimensional structure of any protein component of the leukotriene cascade and enables a description of the structural basis and molecular mechanisms for the two catalytic activities of LTA4 hydrolase. Further, the invention also relates to LTA4 hydrolase complexed with an inhibitor. The structural information provided by the present invention will make possible rational design of enzyme inhibitors, which may be developed into clinically useful anti-inflammatory drugs.