Blood 'n' guts: an update on schistosome digestive peptidases

Peptidases (proteolytic enzymes) found in the gut of schistosomes digest host blood proteins and facilitate the maintenance of optimal nutritional and reproductive status. We review the latest information regarding these peptidases, including their individual biochemical and biophysical characteristics, and their possible interactions in vivo. The crucial issues of functional redundancy and suitability as drug targets are also discussed with respect to recent advances in genetic and chemical technologies.