New Drugs from COVID-Box Show Promise Against Toxoplasma gondii
Author Information
Author(s): Costa Andréia Luiza Oliveira, dos Santos Mike, Dantas-Vieira Giulia Caroline, Lopes Rosálida Estevam Nazar, Vommaro Rossiane Claudia, Martins-Duarte Érica S.
Primary Institution: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Hypothesis
Can drugs from the COVID-Box effectively inhibit Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites?
Conclusion
The study identified 23 compounds from the COVID-Box that can inhibit Toxoplasma gondii by more than 70% in vitro, with some showing promising low IC50 values.
Supporting Evidence
- 23 compounds from the COVID-Box inhibited T. gondii proliferation by over 70%.
- Cycloheximide and (-)-anisomycin were the most effective with IC50 values of 0.02 μM.
- Most compounds showed high selectivity for T. gondii with a selectivity index ranging from 3 to 304.
- Two compounds, apilimod and midostaurin, are reported for the first time to have activity against T. gondii.
Takeaway
Researchers found 23 medicines that can help fight a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can make people very sick. Some of these medicines are new uses for old drugs.
Methodology
The study involved screening 160 compounds from the COVID-Box for their ability to inhibit Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro, followed by analysis of their effects on parasite morphology using transmission electron microscopy.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on in vitro results, and further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the identified compounds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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