Modular Design of Mitochondrion-Targeted Iron Chelators Allows Highly Selective Antiparasitic Activity against Trypanosomes and Apicomplexan Parasites.

ABSTRACT: Parasitic protozoa exhibit a high demand for iron, with mitochondrial iron metabolism representing a vulnerable target for chemotherapeutic intervention. We recently demonstrated that mitochondrial targeting of the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) via triphenylphosphonium (TPP) conjugation enhances its antiparasitic efficacy. To expand upon this strategy, mitochondrially targeted derivatives of DFO and deferasirox (DFX) were synthesized and evaluated for their activity against important human parasites. The DFX derivative mitoDFX was effective against Trypanosoma spp. and Toxoplasma gondii with remarkable selectivity. The fact that mitoDFX is a promising anticancer agent, which is likely safe to use in the context of human health, highlights the potential for drug repurposing

SUBMITTER: Malych R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797238 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature