Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: , transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. In the absence of a human vaccine, current chemotherapeutic options remain suboptimal due to limited target selectivity, high cost, restricted availability in endemic low-resource regions, and escalating parasite resistance. This review highlights recent advances in rational drug design directed at the kinetoplast-a distinctive mitochondrial organelle critical for parasite viability. Different targets (e.g., kDNA, G-quadruplex, topoisomerases) and innovative approaches employing mitochondrion-targeted small molecules are discussed, as well as ligand-functionalized nanoparticle delivery systems that can transport bioactive agents to the parasite's mitochondrial microenvironment. These strategies highlight the kinetoplast's strong translational relevance as a selective antileishmanial target. By exploiting its unique molecular machinery, these strategies may offer improved parasite selectivity, although potential mitochondrial liabilities in host cells must be carefully evaluated.
Source: Pharmaceuticals
DOI: 10.3390/ph19040537
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Awards: G1165171717, G1175115578, G121809054, G1431188160, G1622782223, G1855990336, G210041235, G2262748287, G2309174360, G2601397997, G2660406951, G279363373, G300979063, G34346518, G3480869486, G3584414314, G3681454997, G4042783231, G410571670, G425668148, G430777504, G451917667, G488842982, G5080475149, G5195188938, G5421974903, G5539308778, G5805502524, G5967599077, G6243695229, G6861129341, G7084143925, G7734139233, G8920660035, G897484643, G929308097, G99296377
OpenAlex ID: W7140820987