Inhibitors of human histone deacetylase with potent activity against the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei

A number of hydroxamic acid derivatives which inhibit human histone deacetylases were investigated for efficacy against cultured bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei. Three out of the four classes tested displayed significant activity. The majority of compounds blocked parasite growth in the submicromolar range. The most potent was a member of the sulphonepiperazine series with an IC(50) of 34 nM. These results identify lead compounds with potential for the development of a novel class of trypanocidal agent.