Alternative Host Models for Testing Anti-Protozoal or Antifungal Compounds and Fungal Infection

Author(s)

Torrecilhas, Ana Claudia ^[1] ; Xander, Patricia ^[1] ; Ferreira, Karen Spadari ^[1] ; Batista, Wagner Luiz ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, Lab Imunol Celular & Bioquim Fungos & Protozoario, Campus Diadema, Rua Sao Nicolau 210, 4 Andar, BR-04023900 Diadema - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY; v. 18, n. 4, p. 300-311, 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are caused by several parasites, fungi, bacteria and viruses and affect more than one billion people in the world. The control and prevention against NTDs need implementation of alternative methods for testing new compounds against these diseases. For the implementation of alternative methods, it is necessary to apply the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3Rs) for the use of laboratory animals. Accordingly, the present review addressed a variety of alternative models to study the infections caused by protozoa and fungi. Overall, vertebrate and invertebrate models of fungal infection have been used to elucidate host-pathogen interactions. However, until now the insect model has not been used in protozoal studies as an alternative method, but there is interest in the scientific community to try new tools to screen alternative drugs to control and prevent protozoal infections. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/13961-1 - Role of secreted aspartyl protease (PbSAP) in virulence and dimorphism in the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
• Grantee: Wagner Luiz Batista
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants