Highlighting the Therapeutic Potential of an Underexplored Target: Human Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase in Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritisand Sclerosis

By integrating data from synthetic, plant, and microbial sources, along with clinical trial and patent outcomes, this review highlights the diverse role of DHODH. Its inhibition offers a more targeted approach to reduce the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells while sparing normal cells, modulating specific immune responses. But, limiting understanding of resistance mechanisms and potential for toxicity are the current challenges. It offers a roadmap for future research and drug discovery endeavours focused on harnessing the beneficial potential of DHODH inhibition, including the development of novel inhibitors with improved selectivity and pharmacokinetics across a wide array of pathological conditions.