Antioxidant enzymes and general cellular proteins

The term Antioxidant enzymes and general cellular proteins refers to a broad and heterogeneous collective of biological molecules rather than a single, discrete therapeutic target. This group encompasses essential enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which maintain cellular redox homeostasis by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (Halliwell & Gutteridge, 2015). It also includes the general cellular proteome, which can be subject to oxidative damage or unintended covalent modification by reactive drug metabolites, a process often linked to toxicity (Liebler, 2008). While not a single target, this system is frequently modulated by drugs like N-acetylcysteine or Nrf2 activators to treat conditions characterized by oxidative stress, such as inflammation and neurodegeneration (Kansanen et al., 2013). However, the non-specific nature of interactions with general cellular proteins is a significant concern in drug development, as it can lead to the formation of haptens and subsequent idiosyncratic immune reactions (Uetrecht, 2008). Consequently, this entry is considered a descriptive category rather than a specific molecular target for drug discovery.

Other names

Redox-regulating enzymesCellular proteomeAntioxidant defense systemEndogenous antioxidant system

Induction of the antioxidant response element (ARE) via Nrf2 activation; direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS); covalent modification of protein thiols by reactive metabolites (Kansanen et al., 2013; Liebler, 2008).