Memapsin 2 (beta-secretase) as a therapeutic target.

As beta-secretase, memapsin 2 cleaves amyloid-beta precursor protein, which leads ultimately to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. As such, memapsin 2 is an excellent target of inhibitor drugs for the treatment of this disease. Here we describe the tools for memapsin 2 inhibitor design that have been developed and results from the structure-based inhibitor design. Strategy for the design of memapsin 2 inhibitors with pharmaceutical potential is also discussed.