Effectiveness of Two New Endochin-like Quinolones, ELQ-596 and ELQ-650, in Experimental Mouse Models of Human Babesiosis.
ACS Infect Dis
; 10(4): 1405-1413, 2024 04 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38563132
ABSTRACT
Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) define a class of small molecule antimicrobials that target the mitochondrial electron transport chain of various human parasites by inhibiting their cytochrome bc1 complexes. The compounds have shown potent activity against a wide range of protozoan parasites, including the intraerythrocytic parasites Plasmodium and Babesia, the agents of human malaria and babesiosis, respectively. First-generation ELQ compounds were previously found to reduce infection by Babesia microti and Babesia duncani in animal models of human babesiosis but achieved a radical cure only in combination with atovaquone and required further optimization to address pharmacological limitations. Here, we report the identification of two second-generation 3-biaryl ELQ compounds, ELQ-596 and ELQ-650, with potent antibabesial activity in vitro and favorable pharmacological properties. In particular, ELQ-598, a prodrug of ELQ-596, demonstrated high efficacy as an orally administered monotherapy at 10 mg/kg. The compound achieved radical cure in both the chronic model of B. microti-induced babesiosis in immunocompromised mice and the lethal infection model induced by B. duncani in immunocompetent mice. Given its high potency, favorable physicochemical properties, and low toxicity profile, ELQ-596 represents a promising drug for the treatment of human babesiosis.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Babesiose
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Quinolonas
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article