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Zoltner M, Horn D, Field MC. Pass the boron: benzoxaboroles as antiparasite drugs. Trends Parasitol 2024:S1471-4922(24)00179-X. [PMID: 39107181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The development of new drug modalities has been facilitated recently by the introduction of boron as a component of organic compounds, and specifically within a benzoxaborale scaffold. This has enabled exploration of new chemical space and the development of effective compounds targeting a broad range of morbidities, including infections by protozoa, fungi, worms, and bacteria. Most notable is the recent demonstration of a single oral dose cure using acoziborole against African trypanosomiasis. Common and species-/structure-specific interactions between benzoxaboroles and parasite species have emerged and provide vital insights into the mechanisms of cidality, as well as potential challenges in terms of resistance and/or side effects. Here, we discuss the literature specific to benzoxaborole studies in parasitic protists and consider unanswered questions concerning this important new drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zoltner
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - David Horn
- Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mark C Field
- Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK; Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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2
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Ramos LG, de Souza KR, Júnior PAS, Câmara CC, Castelo-Branco FS, Boechat N, Carvalho SA. Tackling the challenges of human Chagas disease: A comprehensive review of treatment strategies in the chronic phase and emerging therapeutic approaches. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107264. [PMID: 38806090 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects approximately 7 million people worldwide and is endemic in Latin America, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Since the 1960s, only two drugs have been commercially available for treating this illness: nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BZN). Although these drugs are effective in the acute phase (AP) of the disease, in which parasitemia is usually high, their cure rates in the chronic phase (CP) are low and often associated with several side effects. The CP is characterized by a subpatent parasitaemia and absence of clinical symptoms in the great majority of infected individuals. However, at least 30 % of the individuals will develop potentially lethal symptomatic forms, including cardiac and digestive manifestations. For such reason, in the CP the treatment is usually symptomatic and typically focuses on managing complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or digestive problems. Therefore, the need for new drugs or therapeutic approaches using BZN or NFX is extremely urgent. This review presents the main clinical trials, especially in the CP, which involve BZN and NFX in different treatment regimens. Additionally, other therapies using combinations of these drugs with other substances such as allopurinol, itraconazole, ravuconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and amiodarone are also reported. The importance of early diagnosis, especially in pediatric patients, is also discussed, emphasizing the need to identify the disease in its early stages to improve the chances of successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Gomes Ramos
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil; Laboratório de Físico-Química de Materiais, Seção de Engenharia Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Kátia Regina de Souza
- Laboratório de Físico-Química de Materiais, Seção de Engenharia Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Policarpo Ademar Sales Júnior
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Ageu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Camila Capelini Câmara
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil; Laboratório de Físico-Química de Materiais, Seção de Engenharia Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Frederico S Castelo-Branco
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Nubia Boechat
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Samir Aquino Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil.
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3
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Chen F, Ruan F, Xie X, Lu J, Sun W, Shao D, Chen M. Gold Nanocluster: A Photoelectric Converter for X-Ray-Activated Chemotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2402966. [PMID: 39044607 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the promise of activatable chemotherapy, the development of a spatiotemporally controllable strategy for prodrug activation in deep tissues remains challenging. Herein, a proof-of-concept is proposed for a gold nanocluster-based strategy that utilizes X-ray irradiation to trigger the liberation of platinum (Pt)-based prodrug conjugates, thus enabling radiotherapy-directed chemotherapy. Mechanistically, the irradiated activation of prodrugs is achieved through direct photoelectron transfer from the excited-state gold nanoclusters to the Pt(IV) center, resulting in the release of cytotoxic Pt(II) agents. Compared to the traditional combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, this radiotherapy-directed chemotherapy strategy offers superior antitumor efficacy and safety benefits through spatiotemporal synergy at the tumor site. Additionally, this strategy elicits robust immunogenic cell death and yields profound outcomes for combined immunotherapy of breast cancer. This versatile strategy is ushering in a new era of radiation-mediated chemistry for controlled drug delivery and the precise regulation of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangman Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Feixia Ruan
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Xiaochun Xie
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Junna Lu
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Dan Shao
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
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4
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Batista DDGJ, de Almeida Fiuza LF, Klupsch F, da Costa KN, Batista MM, da Conceição K, Bouafia H, Vergoten G, Millet R, Thuru X, Bailly C, Soeiro MDNC. Activity of pyridyl-pyrazolone derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108787. [PMID: 38759776 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
New affordable drugs are needed for the treatment of infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi responsible for the Chagas disease (CD). Only two old drugs are currently available, nifurtimox and benznidazole (Bz) but they exhibit unwanted side effects and display a weak activity in the late chronic phase of the disease. In this context, we evaluated the activity of a series of aryl-pyrazolone derivatives against T cruzi, using both bloodstream trypomastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of the parasite. The test compounds originate from a series of anticancer agents targeting the immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1 and bear an analogy with known anti-trypanosomal pyrazolones. A first group of 6 phenyl-pyrazolones was tested, revealing the activity of a single pyridyl-pyrazolone derivative. Then a second group of 8 compounds with a common pyridyl-pyrazolone core was evaluated. The in vitro testing process led to the identification of two non-cytotoxic and highly potent molecules against the intracellular form of T. cruzi, with an activity comparable to Bz. Moreover, one compound revealed an activity largely superior to that of Bz against bloodstream trypomastigotes, while being non-cytotoxic (selectivity index >1000). Unfortunately, the compound showed little activity in vivo, most likely due to its very limited plasma stability. However, the study opens novel perspectives for the design of new anti-trypanosomal products and the mechanism of action of the compounds is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise da Gama Jaen Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | | | - Frédérique Klupsch
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Krislayne Nunes da Costa
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Ketlym da Conceição
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Hassiba Bouafia
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Régis Millet
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020 - UMR1277 - Canther - Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000, Lille, France; University of Lille, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Maria de Nazaré Correia Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, 210360-040, Brazil.
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Stadler KA, Ortiz-Joya LJ, Singh Sahrawat A, Buhlheller C, Gruber K, Pavkov-Keller T, O'Hagan TB, Guarné A, Pulido S, Marín-Villa M, Zangger K, Gubensäk N. Structural investigation of Trypanosoma cruzi Akt-like kinase as drug target against Chagas disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10039. [PMID: 38693166 PMCID: PMC11063076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, Chagas disease (CD) is the most prevalent poverty-promoting neglected tropical disease. Alarmingly, climate change is accelerating the geographical spreading of CD causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which additionally increases infection rates. Still, CD treatment remains challenging due to a lack of safe and efficient drugs. In this work, we analyze the viability of T. cruzi Akt-like kinase (TcAkt) as drug target against CD including primary structural and functional information about a parasitic Akt protein. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance derived information in combination with Molecular Dynamics simulations offer detailed insights into structural properties of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of TcAkt and its binding to phosphatidylinositol phosphate ligands (PIP). Experimental data combined with Alpha Fold proposes a model for the mechanism of action of TcAkt involving a PIP-induced disruption of the intramolecular interface between the kinase and the PH domain resulting in an open conformation enabling TcAkt kinase activity. Further docking experiments reveal that TcAkt is recognized by human inhibitors PIT-1 and capivasertib, and TcAkt inhibition by UBMC-4 and UBMC-6 is achieved via binding to TcAkt kinase domain. Our in-depth structural analysis of TcAkt reveals potential sites for drug development against CD, located at activity essential regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Stadler
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lesly J Ortiz-Joya
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amit Singh Sahrawat
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Karl Gruber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tea Pavkov-Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Alba Guarné
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sergio Pulido
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- LifeFactors ZF SAS, Rionegro, Colombia
| | - Marcel Marín-Villa
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Klaus Zangger
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Nina Gubensäk
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Olmo F, Jayawardhana S, Khan AA, Langston HC, Francisco AF, Atherton RL, Ward AI, Taylor MC, Kelly JM, Lewis MD. A panel of phenotypically and genotypically diverse bioluminescent:fluorescent Trypanosoma cruzi strains as a resource for Chagas disease research. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012106. [PMID: 38820564 PMCID: PMC11168640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that displays considerable genetic diversity. Infections result in a range of pathological outcomes, and different strains can exhibit a wide spectrum of anti-parasitic drug tolerance. The genetic determinants of infectivity, virulence and therapeutic susceptibility remain largely unknown. As experimental tools to address these issues, we have generated a panel of bioluminescent:fluorescent parasite strains that cover the diversity of the T. cruzi species. These reporters allow spatio-temporal infection dynamics in murine models to be monitored in a non-invasive manner by in vivo imaging, provide a capability to detect rare infection foci at single-cell resolution, and represent a valuable resource for investigating virulence and host:parasite interactions at a mechanistic level. Importantly, these parasite reporter strains can also contribute to the Chagas disease drug screening cascade by ensuring that candidate compounds have pan-species in vivo activity prior to being advanced into clinical testing. The parasite strains described in this paper are available on request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Olmo
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shiromani Jayawardhana
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Archie A. Khan
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harry C. Langston
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Fortes Francisco
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard L. Atherton
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex I. Ward
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin C. Taylor
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - John M. Kelly
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D. Lewis
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Fralish Z, Chen A, Khan S, Zhou P, Reker D. The landscape of small-molecule prodrugs. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:365-380. [PMID: 38565913 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00914-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Prodrugs are derivatives with superior properties compared with the parent active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), which undergo biotransformation after administration to generate the API in situ. Although sharing this general characteristic, prodrugs encompass a wide range of different chemical structures, therapeutic indications and properties. Here we provide the first holistic analysis of the current landscape of approved prodrugs using cheminformatics and data science approaches to reveal trends in prodrug development. We highlight rationales that underlie prodrug design, their indications, mechanisms of API release, the chemistry of promoieties added to APIs to form prodrugs and the market impact of prodrugs. On the basis of this analysis, we discuss strengths and limitations of current prodrug approaches and suggest areas for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Fralish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ashley Chen
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Pei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Reker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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8
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Veras PST, Descoteaux A, Colombo MI, de Menezes JPB. Editorial: Early events during host cell-pathogen interaction, volume II. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1364415. [PMID: 38299115 PMCID: PMC10827853 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1364415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia S. T. Veras
- Laboratory of Host - Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Armand-Frappier Sante´ Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Maria Isabel Colombo
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juliana P. B. de Menezes
- Laboratory of Host - Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Salvador, Brazil
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9
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Abal M, Balouz V, Lopez R, Giorgi ME, Marino C, Cruz CV, Altcheh J, Buscaglia CA. An α-Gal antigenic surrogate as a biomarker of treatment evaluation in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected children. A retrospective cohort study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011910. [PMID: 38236916 PMCID: PMC10826959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper evaluation of therapeutic responses in Chagas disease is hampered by the prolonged persistence of antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi measured by conventional serological tests and by the lack of sensitivity of parasitological tests. Previous studies indicated that tGPI-mucins, an α-Gal (α-d-Galp(1→3)-β-d-Galp(1→4)-d-GlcNAc)-rich fraction obtained from T. cruzi trypomastigotes surface coat, elicit a strong and protective antibody response in infected individuals, which disappears soon after successful treatment. The cost and technical difficulties associated with tGPI-mucins preparation, however, preclude its routine implementation in clinical settings. METHODS/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS We herein developed a neoglycoprotein consisting of a BSA scaffold decorated with several units of a synthetic α-Gal antigenic surrogate (α-d-Galp(1→3)-β-d-Galp(1→4)-β-d-Glcp). Serological responses to this reagent, termed NGP-Tri, were monitored by means of an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (α-Gal-ELISA) in a cohort of 82 T. cruzi-infected and Benznidazole- or Nifurtimox-treated children (3 days to 16 years-old). This cohort was split into 3 groups based on the age of patients at the time of treatment initiation: Group 1 comprised 24 babies (3 days to 5 months-old; median = 26 days-old), Group 2 comprised 31 children (7 months to 3 years-old; median = 1.0-year-old) and Group 3 comprised 26 patients (3 to 16 years-old; median = 8.4 years-old). A second, control cohort (Group 4) included 39 non-infected infants (3 days to 5 months-old; median = 31 days-old) born to T. cruzi-infected mothers. Despite its suboptimal seroprevalence (58.4%), α-Gal-ELISA yielded shorter median time values of negativization (23 months [IC 95% 7 to 36 months] vs 60 months [IC 95% 15 to 83 months]; p = 0.0016) and higher rate of patient negative seroconversion (89.2% vs 43.2%, p < 0.005) as compared to conventional serological methods. The same effect was verified for every Group, when analyzed separately. Most remarkably, 14 out of 24 (58.3%) patients from Group 3 achieved negative seroconversion for α-Gal-ELISA while none of them were able to negativize for conventional serology. Detailed analysis of patients showing unconventional serological responses suggested that, in addition to providing a novel tool to shorten follow-up periods after chemotherapy, the α-Gal-ELISA may assist in other diagnostic needs in pediatric Chagas disease. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The tools evaluated here provide the cornerstone for the development of an efficacious, reliable, and straightforward post-therapeutic marker for pediatric Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Abal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Balouz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosana Lopez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono (CIHIDECAR), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), and CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Eugenia Giorgi
- Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono (CIHIDECAR), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), and CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Marino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Hidratos de Carbono (CIHIDECAR), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), and CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cintia V. Cruz
- Servicio de Parasitología-Chagas, Hospital de Niños ’Dr Ricardo Gutierrez’, and Instituto Multidisciplinario en Investigaciones Pediátricas (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit (MORU), Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Servicio de Parasitología-Chagas, Hospital de Niños ’Dr Ricardo Gutierrez’, and Instituto Multidisciplinario en Investigaciones Pediátricas (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Fundación para el estudio de las infecciones parasitarias y enfermedad de Chagas (FIPEC foundation), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos A. Buscaglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIBio), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM), and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), UNSAM, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Steketee PC, Paxton E, Barrett MP, Pearce MC, Connelley TK, Morrison LJ. Anti-parasitic benzoxaboroles are ineffective against Theileria parva in vitro. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:71-77. [PMID: 37866107 PMCID: PMC10623109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
East Coast Fever (ECF) is a disease affecting cattle in sub-Saharan Africa, caused by the tick-borne Apicomplexan pathogen Theileria parva. The disease is a major problem for cattle farmers in affected regions and there are few methods of control, including a complex infection and treatment vaccine, expensive chemotherapy, and the more widespread tick control through acaricides. New intervention strategies are, therefore, sorely needed. Benzoxaboroles are a versatile class of boron-heterocyclic compounds with demonstrable pharmacological activity against a diverse group of pathogens, including those related to T. parva. In this study, the in vitro efficacy of three benzoxaboroles against the intracellular schizont stage of T. parva was investigated using a flow cytometry approach. Of the benzoxaboroles tested, only one showed any potency, albeit only at high concentrations, even though there is high protein sequence similarity in the CPSF3 protein target compared to other protozoan pathogen species. This finding suggests that benzoxaboroles currently of interest for the treatment of African animal trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis and malaria may not be suitable for the treatment of ECF. We conclude that testing of further benzoxaborole compounds is needed to fully determine whether any lead compounds can be identified to target T. parva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter C Steketee
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Edith Paxton
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Michael P Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Michael C Pearce
- Global Alliance for Livestock Medicines, Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Timothy K Connelley
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Liam J Morrison
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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11
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Ribeiro R, Costa L, Pinto E, Sousa E, Fernandes C. Therapeutic Potential of Marine-Derived Cyclic Peptides as Antiparasitic Agents. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:609. [PMID: 38132930 PMCID: PMC10745025 DOI: 10.3390/md21120609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1-25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Lia Costa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
| | - Eugénia Pinto
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
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12
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Mehta NV, Abhyankar A, Degani MS. Elemental exchange: Bioisosteric replacement of phosphorus by boron in drug design. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115761. [PMID: 37651875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Continuous efforts are being directed toward the employment of boron in drug design due to its advantages and unique characteristics including a plethora of target engagement modes, lower metabolism, and synthetic accessibility, among others. Phosphates are components of multiple drug molecules as well as clinical candidates, since they play a vital role in various biochemical functions, being components of nucleotides, energy currency- ATP as well as several enzyme cofactors. This review discusses the unique chemistry of boron functionalities as phosphate bioisosteres - "the boron-phosphorus elemental exchange strategy" as well as the superiority of boron groups over other commonly employed phosphate bioisosteres. Boron phosphate-mimetics have been utilized for the development of enzyme inhibitors as well as novel borononucleotides. Both the boron functionalities described in this review-boronic acids and benzoxaboroles-contain a boron connected to two oxygens and one carbon atom. The boron atom of these functional groups coordinates with a water molecule in the enzyme site forming a tetrahedral molecule which mimics the phosphate structure. Although boron phosphate-mimetic molecules - FDA-approved Crisaborole and phase II/III clinical candidate Acoziborole are products of the boron-phosphorus bioisosteric elemental exchange strategy, this technique is still in its infancy. The review aims to promote the use of this strategy in future medicinal chemistry projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrashee V Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Arundhati Abhyankar
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Dr Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Gate No.1, Mithibai College Campus, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Mariam S Degani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India.
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13
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Vellozo NS, Matos-Silva TC, Lopes MF. Immunopathogenesis in Trypanosoma cruzi infection: a role for suppressed macrophages and apoptotic cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244071. [PMID: 37662946 PMCID: PMC10469960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During Trypanosoma cruzi infection, macrophages phagocytose parasites and remove apoptotic cells through efferocytosis. While macrophage 1 (M1) produces proinflammatory cytokines and NO and fights infection, M2 macrophages are permissive host cells that express arginase 1 and play a role in tissue repair. The regulation of M1 and M2 phenotypes might either induce or impair macrophage-mediated immunity towards parasite control or persistence in chronic Chagas disease. Here, we highlight a key role of macrophage activation in early immune responses to T. cruzi that prevent escalating parasitemia, heart parasitism, and mortality during acute infection. We will discuss the mechanisms of macrophage activation and deactivation, such as T cell cytokines and efferocytosis, and how to improve macrophage-mediated immunity to prevent parasite persistence, inflammation, and the development of chagasic cardiomyopathy. Potential vaccines or therapy must enhance early T cell-macrophage crosstalk and parasite control to restrain the pathogenic outcomes of parasite-induced inflammation in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcela F. Lopes
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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14
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Thomas M, McGonagle K, Rowland P, Robinson DA, Dodd PG, Camino-Díaz I, Campbell L, Cantizani J, Castañeda P, Conn D, Craggs PD, Edwards D, Ferguson L, Fosberry A, Frame L, Goswami P, Hu X, Korczynska J, MacLean L, Martin J, Mutter N, Osuna-Cabello M, Paterson C, Peña I, Pinto EG, Pont C, Riley J, Shishikura Y, Simeons FRC, Stojanovski L, Thomas J, Wrobel K, Young RJ, Zmuda F, Zuccotto F, Read KD, Gilbert IH, Marco M, Miles TJ, Manzano P, De Rycker M. Structure-Guided Design and Synthesis of a Pyridazinone Series of Trypanosoma cruzi Proteasome Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10413-10431. [PMID: 37506194 PMCID: PMC10424187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new treatments for Chagas disease, a parasitic infection which mostly impacts South and Central America. We previously reported on the discovery of GSK3494245/DDD01305143, a preclinical candidate for visceral leishmaniasis which acted through inhibition of the Leishmania proteasome. A related analogue, active against Trypanosoma cruzi, showed suboptimal efficacy in an animal model of Chagas disease, so alternative proteasome inhibitors were investigated. Screening a library of phenotypically active analogues against the T. cruzi proteasome identified an active, selective pyridazinone, the development of which is described herein. We obtained a cryo-EM co-structure of proteasome and a key inhibitor and used this to drive optimization of the compounds. Alongside this, optimization of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties afforded a suitable compound for mouse efficacy studies. The outcome of these studies is discussed, alongside future plans to further understand the series and its potential to deliver a new treatment for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
G. Thomas
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Kate McGonagle
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Paul Rowland
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - David A. Robinson
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Peter G. Dodd
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Isabel Camino-Díaz
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Discovery DMPK, IVIVT, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Lorna Campbell
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Juan Cantizani
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Pablo Castañeda
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Discovery DMPK, IVIVT, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Daniel Conn
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Peter D. Craggs
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Darren Edwards
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Liam Ferguson
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Andrew Fosberry
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Laura Frame
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Panchali Goswami
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Xiao Hu
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Justyna Korczynska
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Chemistry, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, U.K., SG1 2NY
| | - Lorna MacLean
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Julio Martin
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Nicole Mutter
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Maria Osuna-Cabello
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Christy Paterson
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Imanol Peña
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Erika G. Pinto
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Caterina Pont
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Yoko Shishikura
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Frederick R. C. Simeons
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Laste Stojanovski
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - John Thomas
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Karolina Wrobel
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | | | - Filip Zmuda
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
| | - Maria Marco
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Timothy J. Miles
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Pilar Manzano
- GlaxoSmithKline,
Global Health R&D, Severo Ochoa 2, PTM, Tres Cantos, Madrid ES 28760, Spain
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Drug
Discovery Unit, University of Dundee, School
of Life Sciences, Dow Street, Dundee, U.K., DD1 5EH
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15
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Laureano de Souza M, Lapierre TJWJD, Vitor de Lima Marques G, Ferraz WR, Penteado AB, Henrique Goulart Trossini G, Murta SMF, de Oliveira RB, de Oliveira Rezende C, Ferreira RS. Molecular targets for Chagas disease: validation, challenges and lead compounds for widely exploited targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:911-925. [PMID: 37772733 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2264512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease (CD) imposes social and economic burdens, yet the available treatments have limited efficacy in the disease's chronic phase and cause serious adverse effects. To address this challenge, target-based approaches are a possible strategy to develop new, safe, and active treatments for both phases of the disease. AREAS COVERED This review delves into target-based approaches applied to CD drug discovery, emphasizing the studies from the last five years. We highlight the proteins cruzain (CZ), trypanothione reductase (TR), sterol 14 α-demethylase (CPY51), iron superoxide dismutase (Fe-SOD), proteasome, cytochrome b (Cytb), and cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 3 (CPSF3), chosen based on their biological and chemical validation as drug targets. For each, we discuss its biological relevance and validation as a target, currently related challenges, and the status of the most promising inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Target-based approaches toward developing potential CD therapeutics have yielded promising leads in recent years. We expect a significant advance in this field in the next decade, fueled by the new options for Trypanosoma cruzi genetic manipulation that arose in the past decade, combined with recent advances in computational chemistry and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Laureano de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Vitor de Lima Marques
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Witor Ribeiro Ferraz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Berndt Penteado
- Departamento de Farmacia, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Renata Barbosa de Oliveira
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Rafaela Salgado Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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16
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Rao SPS, Gould MK, Noeske J, Saldivia M, Jumani RS, Ng PS, René O, Chen YL, Kaiser M, Ritchie R, Francisco AF, Johnson N, Patra D, Cheung H, Deniston C, Schenk AD, Cortopassi WA, Schmidt RS, Wiedemar N, Thomas B, Palkar R, Ghafar NA, Manoharan V, Luu C, Gable JE, Wan KF, Myburgh E, Mottram JC, Barnes W, Walker J, Wartchow C, Aziz N, Osborne C, Wagner J, Sarko C, Kelly JM, Manjunatha UH, Mäser P, Jiricek J, Lakshminarayana SB, Barrett MP, Diagana TT. Cyanotriazoles are selective topoisomerase II poisons that rapidly cure trypanosome infections. Science 2023; 380:1349-1356. [PMID: 37384702 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Millions who live in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of trypanosomatid infections, which cause Chagas disease and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). Improved HAT treatments are available, but Chagas disease therapies rely on two nitroheterocycles, which suffer from lengthy drug regimens and safety concerns that cause frequent treatment discontinuation. We performed phenotypic screening against trypanosomes and identified a class of cyanotriazoles (CTs) with potent trypanocidal activity both in vitro and in mouse models of Chagas disease and HAT. Cryo-electron microscopy approaches confirmed that CT compounds acted through selective, irreversible inhibition of trypanosomal topoisomerase II by stabilizing double-stranded DNA:enzyme cleavage complexes. These findings suggest a potential approach toward successful therapeutics for the treatment of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa P S Rao
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Matthew K Gould
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jonas Noeske
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Manuel Saldivia
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Rajiv S Jumani
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Pearly S Ng
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Olivier René
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Yen-Liang Chen
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ryan Ritchie
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Nila Johnson
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Debjani Patra
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Harry Cheung
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Colin Deniston
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Remo S Schmidt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Wiedemar
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bryanna Thomas
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Rima Palkar
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Catherine Luu
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan E Gable
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Kah Fei Wan
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Elmarie Myburgh
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Whitney Barnes
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John Walker
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Charles Wartchow
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Natasha Aziz
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Colin Osborne
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Juergen Wagner
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Sarko
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - John M Kelly
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ujjini H Manjunatha
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Jiricek
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Suresh B Lakshminarayana
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
| | - Michael P Barrett
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thierry T Diagana
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore
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17
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Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Martinez-Peinado N, Escabia E, Ros-Lucas A, Chatelain E, Scandale I, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:1-19. [PMID: 37337597 PMCID: PMC10277022 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s415273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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18
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Duschak VG, Paniz Mondolfi AE, Benaim G. Editorial: Chagas disease novel drug targets and treatments. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1199715. [PMID: 37305423 PMCID: PMC10250960 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1199715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vilma G. Duschak
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) and National Institute of Parasitology (INP), “Dr.Mario Fatala Chaben”, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios de Institutos de Salud (ANLIS)-Malbrán, National Health Department, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto E. Paniz Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia (IVC), Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
| | - Gustavo Benaim
- Unidad de Señalización Celular y Bioquímica de Parásitos, Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Caracas, Venezuela
- Instituto de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
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19
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Bustamante JM, White BE, Wilkerson GK, Hodo CL, Auckland LD, Wang W, McCain S, Hamer SA, Saunders AB, Tarleton RL. Frequency Variation and Dose Modification of Benznidazole Administration for the Treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Mice, Dogs, and Nonhuman Primates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0013223. [PMID: 37039666 PMCID: PMC10190575 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00132-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi naturally infects a broad range of mammalian species and frequently results in the pathology that has been most extensively characterized in human Chagas disease. Currently employed treatment regimens fail to achieve parasitological cure of T. cruzi infection in the majority of cases. In this study, we have extended our previous investigations of more effective, higher dose, intermittent administration protocols using the FDA-approved drug benznidazole (BNZ), in experimentally infected mice and in naturally infected dogs and nonhuman primates (NHP). Collectively, these studies demonstrate that twice-weekly administration of BNZ for more than 4 months at doses that are ~2.5-fold that of previously used daily dosing protocols, provided the best chance to obtain parasitological cure. Dosing less frequently or for shorter time periods was less dependable in all species. Prior treatment using an ineffective dosing regimen in NHPs did not prevent the attainment of parasitological cure with an intensified BNZ dosing protocol. Furthermore, parasites isolated after a failed BNZ treatment showed nearly identical susceptibility to BNZ as those obtained prior to treatment, confirming the low risk of induction of drug resistance with BNZ and the ability to adjust the treatment protocol when an initial regimen fails. These results provide guidance for the use of BNZ as an effective treatment for T. cruzi infection and encourage its wider use, minimally in high value dogs and at-risk NHP, but also potentially in humans, until better options are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Bustamante
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Brooke E. White
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Gregory K. Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rick L. Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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20
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García-Estrada C, Pérez-Pertejo Y, Domínguez-Asenjo B, Holanda VN, Murugesan S, Martínez-Valladares M, Balaña-Fouce R, Reguera RM. Further Investigations of Nitroheterocyclic Compounds as Potential Antikinetoplastid Drug Candidates. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040637. [PMID: 37189384 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of specific vaccines, management of the trypanosomatid-caused neglected tropical diseases (sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis) relies exclusively on pharmacological treatments. Current drugs against them are scarce, old and exhibit disadvantages, such as adverse effects, parenteral administration, chemical instability and high costs which are often unaffordable for endemic low-income countries. Discoveries of new pharmacological entities for the treatment of these diseases are scarce, since most of the big pharmaceutical companies find this market unattractive. In order to fill the pipeline of compounds and replace existing ones, highly translatable drug screening platforms have been developed in the last two decades. Thousands of molecules have been tested, including nitroheterocyclic compounds, such as benznidazole and nifurtimox, which had already provided potent and effective effects against Chagas disease. More recently, fexinidazole has been added as a new drug against African trypanosomiasis. Despite the success of nitroheterocycles, they had been discarded from drug discovery campaigns due to their mutagenic potential, but now they represent a promising source of inspiration for oral drugs that can replace those currently on the market. The examples provided by the trypanocidal activity of fexinidazole and the promising efficacy of the derivative DNDi-0690 against leishmaniasis seem to open a new window of opportunity for these compounds that were discovered in the 1960s. In this review, we show the current uses of nitroheterocycles and the novel derived molecules that are being synthesized against these neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Bárbara Domínguez-Asenjo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Sankaranarayanan Murugesan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, India
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (IGM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de León, Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, Vega de Infanzones, 24346 León, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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21
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Tarleton RL. Effective drug discovery in Chagas disease. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:423-431. [PMID: 37024318 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The Chagas field has gone >50 years without tangible progress toward new therapies. My colleagues and I have recently reported on a benzoxaborole compound that achieves consistent parasitological cure in experimentally infected mice and in naturally infected non-human primates (NHPs). While these results do not assure success in human clinical trials, they significantly de-risk this process and form a strong justification for such trials. Highly effective drug discovery depends on a solid understanding of host and parasite biology and excellent knowledge in designing and validating chemical entities. This opinion piece seeks to provide perspectives on the process that led to the discovery of AN15368, with the hope that this will facilitate the discovery of additional clinical candidates for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick L Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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22
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Bustamante JM, White BE, Wilkerson GK, Hodo CL, Auckland LD, Wang W, McCain S, Hamer SA, Saunders AB, Tarleton RL. Frequency variation and dose modification of benznidazole administration for the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice, dogs and non-human primates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526739. [PMID: 36778432 PMCID: PMC9915573 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi naturally infects a broad range of mammalian species and frequently results in the pathology that has been most extensively characterized in human Chagas disease. Currently employed treatment regimens fail to achieve parasitological cure of T. cruzi infection in the majority of cases. In this study, we have extended our previous investigations of more effective, higher dose, intermittent administration protocols using the FDA-approved drug benznidazole (BNZ), in experimentally infected mice and in naturally infected dogs and non-human primates (NHP). Collectively these studies demonstrate that twice-weekly administration of BNZ for more than 4 months at doses that are ∼2.5-fold that of previously used daily dosing protocols, provided the best chance to obtain parasitological cure. Dosing less frequently or for shorter time periods was less dependable in all species. Prior treatment using an ineffective dosing regimen in NHPs did not prevent the attainment of parasitological cure with an intensified BNZ dosing protocol. Furthermore, parasites isolated after a failed BNZ treatment showed nearly identical susceptibility to BNZ as those obtained prior to treatment, confirming the low risk of induction of drug resistance with BNZ and the ability to adjust the treatment protocol when an initial regimen fails. These results provide guidance for the use of BNZ as an effective treatment for T. cruzi infection and encourage its wider use, minimally in high value dogs and at-risk NHP, but also potentially in humans, until better options are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Bustamante
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Brooke E White
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rick L Tarleton
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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23
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Barnadas-Carceller B, Martinez-Peinado N, Gómez LC, Ros-Lucas A, Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Diaz-Mochon JJ, Gascon J, Molina IJ, Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. Identification of compounds with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi within a collection of synthetic nucleoside analogs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1067461. [PMID: 36710960 PMCID: PMC9880260 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1067461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and it is the most important neglected tropical disease in the Americas. Two drugs are available to treat the infection, but their efficacy in the chronic stage of the disease, when most cases are diagnosed, is reduced. Their tolerability is also hindered by common adverse effects, making the development of safer and efficacious alternatives a pressing need. T. cruzi is unable to synthesize purines de novo, relying on a purine salvage pathway to acquire these from its host, making it an attractive target for the development of new drugs. Methods We evaluated the anti-parasitic activity of 23 purine analogs with different substitutions in the complementary chains of their purine rings. We sequentially screened the compounds' capacity to inhibit parasite growth, their toxicity in Vero and HepG2 cells, and their specific capacity to inhibit the development of amastigotes. We then used in-silico docking to identify their likely targets. Results Eight compounds showed specific anti-parasitic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 2.42 to 8.16 μM. Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase, and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase, are their most likely targets. Discussion Our results illustrate the potential role of the purine salvage pathway as a target route for the development of alternative treatments against T. cruzi infection, highlithing the apparent importance of specific substitutions, like the presence of benzene groups in the C8 position of the purine ring, consistently associated with a high and specific anti-parasitic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Barnadas-Carceller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Córdoba Gómez
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of “Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan J. Diaz-Mochon
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of “Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain,Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio J. Molina
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of “Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: Julio Alonso-Padilla, ; María José Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro,
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Julio Alonso-Padilla, ; María José Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro,
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24
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New therapeutic candidate for Chagas disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:796. [PMID: 36195774 DOI: 10.1038/d41573-022-00168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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