Evaluation of the antimalarial effect of new compounds using Plasmodium knowlesi and P. falciparum in vitro

Malaria is responsible for more than 200 million cases and about 400,000 deaths per year worldwide. Five species of Plasmodium cause human infections: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. The development of new antimalarial drugs is necessary, as the parasites constantly develop resistance mechanisms and the action of the compounds can vary between species. This project will test compounds previously used by other groups that study drug action against protozoa. 27 deacetylase inhibitors will be used with activity against trypanosomatids, tested by Dr. Nilmar Moretti (EPM-UNIFESP). This project will also use compounds developed by Prof. Rafael Guido (Instituto de Física da USP – São Carlos), previously tested in vitro against P. falciparum and ex vivo against P. vivax, by Dr. Anna Caroline Aguiar (UNIFESP – Campus Baixada Santista). These compounds belong to different chemical classes, including hydrazinobenzimidazole, brussonol derivatives, among others. This collaboration will not only allow the identification of compounds with therapeutic potential, but may also provide important information on the targets of new compounds and on differences between the species that cause human malaria.

Project details

Drug-based Strategies

Feb 2022 — Dec 2023

Brazil

Plasmodium knowlesi