Neglected Tropical Diseases: Molecular Targets and Natural Products

Dear Colleagues,

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of more than 20 diseases that are mainly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. This expression stems from the historical fact that NTDs have received less investment compared to other diseases occurring in the same regions. In general, NTDs are chronic ailments, severely impairing the quality of life, and often resulting in debilitating or permanent affections that increase morbi-mortality. While significant progress has been achieved in recent decades towards reducing the burden of NTDs in affected countries, their geographical range has expanded into previously considered unaffected regions. Consequently, these diseases continue to pose a major challenge to global health.

Despite their epidemiological significance and disproportionate impact on resource-limited regions and vulnerable populations, the development of innovative therapies remains severely restricted due to the confluence of limited investment and the biological complexity of the causative pathogens. In this context, natural products are a growing area of investigation.

This Special Issue of Pathogens aims to provide a comprehensive landscape through original research and review articles related to natural products for NTDs based on molecular targets. In particular, the following topics will be emphasized:

• Promising therapeutic natural products against NTDs.
• In silico and in vitro studies of natural compounds on validated targets of NTDs.
• Elucidation of mechanism of action of natural products against NTDs.
• Inhibition of interaction of NTD agents with host cells.

Dr. Lianet Monzote
Dr. Carolina Carrillo
Prof. Dr. William N. Setzer
Guest Editors

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