Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.7
4.8
Journals
Pharmaceuticals
Special Issues
Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research
share announcement

Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 5765

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andre Aires

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Tropical Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-600, PE, Brazil
Interests: schistosomiasis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Maria Cristiano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) and Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: physical organic chemistry; organic reactivity; medicinal chemistry; bioactive heterocyclic compounds; antiparasitic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of antiparasitic drug research has witnessed substantial advancements in recent times. People have successfully developed new compounds with higher specificity and efficacy, significantly reducing side effects and enhancing patient compliance. Breakthroughs in our understanding of parasite genetics and biology have facilitated the identification of novel drug targets, leading to the creation of drugs that effectively combat resistant strains.

Despite these achievements, challenges persist. The complex life cycles of many parasites and their ability to evade host immune responses pose significant hurdles. Additionally, the limited resources and infrastructure in endemic regions pose barriers to the effective distribution and use of these drugs. Continued research is crucial to address these challenges, ensuring that antiparasitic drugs remain effective and accessible in the fight against parasitic diseases.

We invite scholars to contribute their groundbreaking research to this vibrant field, with the aim of fostering collaborative efforts to overcome existing challenges and propel antiparasitic drug research to unprecedented heights.

Dr. Andre Aires
Prof. Dr. Maria Cristiano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antiparasitic drug
  • novel drug targets
  • parasite resistance
  • drug efficacy
  • parasite genetics

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

18 pages, 1727 KB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based QSAR Models for Discovery of Inhibitors Targeting Leishmania infantum Amastigotes
by Naivi Flores-Balmaseda, Julio A. Rojas-Vargas, Susana Rojas-Socarrás, Facundo Pérez-Giménez, Francisco Torrens and Juan A. Castillo-Garit
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040588 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 502
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by obligate intracellular parasites of the Leishmania genus and is classified by the World Health Organization as a category I neglected tropical disease. Leishmania infantum predominantly affects children under five years of age and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by obligate intracellular parasites of the Leishmania genus and is classified by the World Health Organization as a category I neglected tropical disease. Leishmania infantum predominantly affects children under five years of age and shows an increasing incidence of cutaneous and visceral forms. The development of new therapeutic alternatives remains challenging, making in silico approaches valuable for accelerating antileishmanial drug discovery. This study aimed to identify new compounds with potential activity against Leishmania infantum amastigotes using artificial intelligence-based classification models. Methods: A curated database of compounds with reported biological activity was constructed. Molecular representation employed zero- to two-dimensional descriptors calculated with Dragon software (v 7.0.10). Unsupervised k-means cluster analysis was applied to define training and external prediction sets. Supervised models were developed on the WEKA platform using IBk, J48, multilayer perceptron, and sequential minimal optimization algorithms. Model performance was assessed through internal cross-validation and external validation procedures. Results: All models achieved classification accuracies above eighty percent for both training and prediction sets, indicating consistent predictive performance and good generalization ability. The validated models were applied to virtual screening of the DrugBank database and a collection of synthetic compounds. This screening campaign enabled the identification of one hundred twenty compounds with potential activity against the amastigote form of Leishmania infantum. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence-based QSAR models proved to be useful tools for prioritizing antileishmanial candidates. The integration of molecular descriptors, machine learning, and virtual screening offers an efficient strategy for drug discovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 2173 KB  
Article
Thiazole as a Promising Scaffold for the Treatment of Schistosomiasis: In Vitro and In Vivo Activity Against Different Developmental Stages of Schistosoma mansoni
by João Victor Ritinto da Rocha, Wilza Wanessa Melo França, Arthur Lessa Machado, Lucas Andrade Oliveira Cavalcante, Maria Tairla Viana Gonçalves, Thierry Wesley de Albuquerque Aguiar, Diego Santa Clara Marques, Pedro Henrique do Bomfim Nascimento, Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo, Iranildo José da Cruz Filho, Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima and André de Lima Aires
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(3), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030420 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people, and praziquantel remains the only drug available for treatment; however, its activity is restricted to adult worms. Previously, our group evaluated six thiazole derivatives (PBT1–PBT6) in vitro against adult Schistosoma [...] Read more.
Background: Schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people, and praziquantel remains the only drug available for treatment; however, its activity is restricted to adult worms. Previously, our group evaluated six thiazole derivatives (PBT1–PBT6) in vitro against adult Schistosoma mansoni, identifying PBT2, PBT5, and PBT6 as the most active compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of PBT2, PBT5, and PBT6 against schistosomula and juvenile worms, as well as their in vivo efficacy against adult S. mansoni. Methods: Mechanically transformed schistosomula and juvenile worms recovered from mice (21 days post-infection) were incubated with the compounds (12.5–200 μM). Cytotoxicity was assessed using murine splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages exposed to the same concentration range. For in vivo evaluation, infected mice were orally treated with compounds (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) for five consecutive days. Results: All compounds induced 100% mortality in schistosomula and juvenile worms within 3 h of exposure at 100 and 200 μM. Parasite cell viability was markedly reduced (>90%) at concentrations between 50 and 200 μM. The LC50 values ranged from 15.3 to 30.9 μM for schistosomula and from 27.8 to 34.9 μM for juvenile worms, with low cytotoxicity observed in mammalian cells (CC50 ≥ 193.9 μM). In vivo treatment resulted in significant reductions in fecal egg counts (~80% at 200 mg/kg), total worm burden (~60%), and egg loads in liver and intestinal tissues, in addition to an increased proportion of dead eggs in the intestine. Conclusions: The evaluated thiazole derivatives demonstrated potent in vitro activity against immature stages of S. mansoni and significant in vivo efficacy against adult parasites, accompanied by favorable changes in key parasitological parameters. These findings reinforce the potential of thiazole-based compounds as promising multistage schistosomicidal candidates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 7185 KB  
Article
Pyrazole-Imidazoline Derivative Prevents Cardiac Damage and Mortality in Acute Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
by Lorraine Martins Rocha Orlando, Leonardo da Silva Lara, Thamyris Pérez de Souza, Vitoria Barbosa Paes, Claudia Magalhães Calvet, Liliane Batista de Mesquita, Guilherme Cury Lechuga, Cynthia Nathália Pereira, Maurício Silva dos Santos and Mirian Claudia de Souza Pereira
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(10), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18101552 - 15 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 828
Abstract
Background: Chagas disease poses a significant public health challenge, particularly impacting socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Current treatment strategies still rely on two nitro heterocyclic compounds: benznidazole and nifurtimox. Both agents exhibit limited therapeutic efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease and are often [...] Read more.
Background: Chagas disease poses a significant public health challenge, particularly impacting socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Current treatment strategies still rely on two nitro heterocyclic compounds: benznidazole and nifurtimox. Both agents exhibit limited therapeutic efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease and are often linked to severe adverse effects that frequently lead to treatment discontinuation. This urgent need for safer, more effective oral treatments drives the development of novel chemotypes. Objective: In this study, we advanced the preclinical evaluation of 4-imidazoline-1H-pyrazole derivatives, which have been identified as promising candidates against Trypanosoma cruzi. Methods: The candidate compound identified from the reversibility assay underwent further evaluation for its efficacy using a three-dimensional (3D) culture model and a Transwell co-culture system, in addition to the in vivo assessment. Results: Our findings revealed that compound 3m (3-Cl, 4-CH3) exhibited low cytotoxicity while substantially decreasing the parasite burden in 3Dcardiac spheroid models. The compound effectively permeated Caco-2 cell monolayers and demonstrated the ability to inhibit T. cruzi infection in Vero cell cultures within a co-culture system. Furthermore, the 3m derivative not only controlled parasite resurgence but also showed significant therapeutic benefits in a murine model of acute T. cruzi infection, resulting in marked reductions in parasitemia and tissue parasitism, associated with diminished inflammatory infiltrate and cardiac fibrosis. Treatment with 3m increased the survival rate of infected mice to 40%, comparable to the reference drug benznidazole in several key pathological endpoints. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of 4-imidazoline-1H-pyrazole derivatives, particularly compound 3m, in mitigating the pathological effects associated with T. cruzi infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2040 KB  
Article
Phenotypic Screening of H1-Antihistamines Identifies Promethazine and Rupatadine as Active Compounds Against Toxocara canis Infective Larvae
by Taís C. Silva, Julia Godoy-Silva, Monique C. Amaro, João V. Silva-Silva, Thiago H. Doring, Leonardo L. G. Ferreira, Adriano D. Andricopulo and Josué de Moraes
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18070997 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1977
Abstract
Background: Parasitic worm infections remain among the most prevalent and neglected health issues worldwide, affecting both humans and animals. Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara spp., is a widespread zoonosis with significant public health and economic implications. Current anthelmintic treatments show limited efficacy, particularly [...] Read more.
Background: Parasitic worm infections remain among the most prevalent and neglected health issues worldwide, affecting both humans and animals. Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara spp., is a widespread zoonosis with significant public health and economic implications. Current anthelmintic treatments show limited efficacy, particularly against tissue-migrating larvae, underscoring the urgent need for new therapeutic options. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic potential of H1 antihistamines as repurposed drug candidates against Toxocara canis. Methods: Twenty-two H1 antihistamines were screened for larvicidal activity against infective third-stage (L3) larvae of T. canis. Larval motility and morphology were assessed, and compounds with the highest efficacy were further investigated using density functional theory (DFT) to explore their electronic properties. Molecular docking simulations were also performed to predict interactions with T. canis β-tubulin. Results: Promethazine and rupatadine exhibited significant larvicidal effects, surpassing albendazole in reducing larval motility and inducing a distinct contorted morphology not observed in control or albendazole-treated larvae. DFT analyses suggested a strong electron-acceptor capacity, indicating a potential redox-based mechanism of action. Docking studies revealed favorable binding to the colchicine site of T. canis β-tubulin. Conclusions: This is the first report of larvicidal activity of antihistamines against T. canis, supporting their potential as repurposed therapeutic agents for the treatment of zoonotic helminthiases, particularly those caused by tissue-migrating nematodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1788 KB  
Article
Synthesis and Combination Studies of Novel Dipeptide Nitriles with Curcumin for a Potent Synergistic Action Against Rhodesain, Cysteine Protease of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
by Carla Di Chio, Josè Starvaggi, Santo Previti, Fabiola De Luca, Benito Natale, Sandro Cosconati, Tanja Schirmeister, Maria Zappalà and Roberta Ettari
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060847 - 5 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1186
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Rhodesain is a cysteine protease crucial for the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, a parasite that causes the lethal form of human African trypanosomiasis. For these reasons, rhodesain is considered an important target for the drug discovery process of novel [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Rhodesain is a cysteine protease crucial for the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, a parasite that causes the lethal form of human African trypanosomiasis. For these reasons, rhodesain is considered an important target for the drug discovery process of novel antitrypanosomal agents. Methods: In the present work, we carried out a combination study of two novel synthetic nitriles, Nitrile 1 and Nitrile 2, with curcumin, the golden multitarget nutraceutical obtained from Curcuma longa L., which we demonstrated to inhibit rhodesain in a non-competitive manner. We calculated the combination index (CI) in both the combination studies by using the Chou and Talalay method. Results: Comparing the CI values of the combinations Nitrile 1 + curcumin and Nitrile 2 + curcumin, we assessed that the inhibitory effect of the combination Nitrile 2 + curcumin against rhodesain was much more potent than that of the other combination. At the IC50 value, in the case of the combination Nitrile 1 + curcumin an additive effect occurred, while in the case of Nitrile 2 + curcumin, we observed a moderate synergism: at 99% of the effect, the synergism induced by the combination Nitrile 2 + curcumin was much stronger than the synergism promoted by the combination Nitrile 1 + curcumin (CI = 0.3843 vs 0.6622, respectively). Conclusions: The co-administration of dipeptide nitriles with curcumin enhances rhodesain inhibition through synergistic effects. Notably, Nitrile 2 + curcumin exhibits a stronger synergy at higher inhibition levels, indicating a greater therapeutic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antiparasitic Drug Research)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop