Models for cytotoxicity screening of antileishmanial drugs: what has been done so far?

Author(s)

Brioschi, Mariana B. C. ; Coser, Elizabeth M. ; Coelho, Adriano C. ; Gadelha, Fernanda R. ; Miguel, Danilo C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS; v. 60, n. 2, p. 11-pg., 2022-08-01.

Abstract

A growing number of studies have demonstrated the in vitro potential of an impressive number of antileishmanial candidates in the past years. However, the lack of uniformity regarding the choice of cell types for cytotoxicity assays may lead to uncomparable and inconclusive data. In vitro assays relying solely on non-phagocytic cell models may not represent a realistic result as the effect of an antileishmanial agent should ideally be presented based on its cytotoxicity profile against reticuloendothelial system cells. In the present review, we have assembled studies published in the scientific literature from 2015 to 2021 that explored leishmanicidal candidates, emphasising the main host cell models used for cytotoxicity assays. The pros and cons of different host cell types as well as primary cells and cell lines are discussed in order to draw attention to the need to establish standardised protocols for preclinical testing when assessing new antileishmanial candidates. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd and International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/21129-4 - The role of fatty acid-binding proteins in the macrophage infection by Leishmania: a potential target for new drugs against leishmaniasis
• Grantee: Danilo Ciccone Miguel
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/21171-6 - Paromomycin for the treatment of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis: investigation in vitro, in vivo and in the identification of molecular markers associated with susceptibility and resistance
• Grantee: Adriano Cappellazzo Coelho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/22175-3 - Identification and functional validation of genes associated with susceptibility and resistance to paromomycin in Leishmania spp
• Grantee: Elizabeth Magiolo Coser
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate