[2] It is present mainly in the Kinetoplastida but can be found in other parasitic protozoa such as Entamoeba histolytica.

[3] Since this thiol is absent from humans and is essential for the survival of the parasites, the enzymes that make and use this molecule are targets for the development of new drugs to treat these diseases.

[4] Trypanothione-dependent enzymes include reductases, peroxidases, glyoxalases and transferases.

Trypanothione-disulfide reductase (TryR) was the first trypanothione-dependent enzyme to be discovered (EC 1.8.1.12).

Trypanothione-dependent hydrogen peroxide metabolism is particularly important in these organisms because they lack catalase.