Strategies of biochemical defence mechanisms of parasites against oxidants and free radicals

Biological damage brought about by free radical mediated mechanisms can be prevented either by specific chemical scavengers or by protective enzymes that neutralise the radicals or their precursors. Protection can also occur by repair of damage once it has occurred. This review summarises studies of the major biochemical defence mechanisms against oxidants and free radicals and the mechanisms that repair oxidatively damaged proteins. These mechanisms may be a field in the search for improved ways to inhibit parasite survival.