Sialidases: structures, biological significance and therapeutic potential

The structure-based design of a potent inhibitor of the influenza-virus neuraminidase (sialidase) is one of the outstanding successes of rational drug design. Recent clinical trials of the drug have stimulated many companies to seek a share of the potentially huge flu market. Sialidases, however, are involved in the pathogenesis of a whole range of other diseases, so perhaps the knowledge and expertise gained from the influenza story can be used in the design of other drugs, given that they all share certain structural features.