Work

Anticancer proteasome inhibitors are detrimental to the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Toxoplasma gondii is a globally widespread intracellular protozoan that infects an estimated 25% of the world's human population. There is currently no cure for chronic toxoplasmosis, and treatments for acute infection often cause harmful side effects. Here, we used well-established growth assays to evaluate the anti-toxoplasmic effects of three FDA-approved anticancer proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib, on Toxoplasma growth in vitro. RESULTS: values of 204.9 nM, 116.5 nM, and 7.05 µM, respectively. Additionally, bortezomib and ixazomib impair parasite replication 24 h post-infection and cause asynchronous cell division and the formation of aberrant parasites. Our study provides evidence in favor of further investigation of these anticancer drugs for in vivo efficacy and their repurposing for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Source: BMC Research Notes

DOI: 10.1186/s13104-026-07930-3

Authors: Meir Zhang, Pascale S. Guiton

Institution: Santa Clara University

Language: English

Topic: Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690