Discovery of Novel Antischistosomal Agents by Molecular Modeling Approaches

Author(s)

Mafud, Ana C. ; Ferreira, Leonardo G. ; Mascarenhas, Yvonne P. ; Andricopulo, Adriano D. ; de Moraes, Josue

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Trends in Parasitology; v. 32, n. 11, p. 874-886, NOV 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a chronic neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma worms, is reported in nearly 80 countries. Although the disease affects approximately 260 million people, the treatment relies exclusively on praziquantel, a drug discovered in the mid-1970s that lacks efficacy against the larval stages of the parasite. In addition, the dependence on a single treatment has raised concerns about drug resistance, and reduced susceptibility has already been found in laboratory and field isolates. Therefore, novel therapies for schistosomiasis are needed, and several approaches have been used to that end. One of these strategies, molecular modeling, has been increasingly integrated with experimental techniques, resulting in the discovery of novel antischistosomal agents. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/02282-6 - Structure-activity relationship studies about of Pilocarpus microphyllus (Rutaceae) alkaloid derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Mafud
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/25658-9 - Design and Development of Drug Candidates for Chagas Disease
• Grantee: Leonardo Luiz Gomes Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/07600-3 - CIBFar - Center for Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery
• Grantee: Glaucius Oliva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC