Brain-Penetrant Triazolopyrimidine and Phenylpyrimidine Microtubule Stabilizers as Potential Leads to Treat Human African Trypanosomiasis

Abstract

In vitro whole-organism screens of Trypanosoma brucei with representative examples of brain-penetrant microtubule (MT)-stabilizing agents identified lethal triazolopyrimidines and phenylpyrimidines with sub-micromolar potency. In mammalian cells, these antiproliferative compounds disrupt MT integrity and decrease total tubulin levels. Their parasiticidal potency, combined with their generally favorable pharmacokinetic properties, which include oral bioavailability and brain penetration, suggest that these compounds are potential leads against human African trypanosomiasis.

Keywords: Trypanosoma brucei; human African trypanosomiasis; microtubules; phenylpyrimidines; triazolopyrimidines.