Therapeutic Potential of Marine-Derived Cyclic Peptides as Antiparasitic Agents

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Ribeiro, R (Author) Other; Costa, L (Author) Other; Eugenia Pinto (Author) FFUP; Emilia Sousa (Author) FFUP; Carla Fernandes (Author) FFUP; Fernandez, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Marine Drugs

Vol. 12

Final page: 609

ISSN: 1660-3397

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-R33

DOI: 10.3390/md21120609

Abstract (EN): Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1-25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 27