Promising Drug Targets and Compounds with Anti-<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Activity

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the globally distributed protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects around one-third of the world population. This disease may result in serious complications for fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. Current treatment options are old, limited, and possess toxic side effects. Long treatment durations are required since the current therapeutic system lacks efficiency against T. gondii tissue cysts, promoting the establishment of latent infection. This review highlights the most promising drug targets involved in anti-T. gondii drug discovery, including the mitochondrial electron transport chain, microneme secretion pathway, type II fatty acid synthesis, DNA synthesis and replication and, DNA expression as well as others. A description of some of the most promising compounds demonstrating antiparasitic activity, developed over the last decade through drug discovery and drug repurposing, is provided as a means of giving new perspectives for future research in this field.

Keywords

• anti-<i>Toxoplasma</i> agents
• drug discovery
• drug repurposing
• drug targets
• <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>
• toxoplasmosis