Leishmania braziliensis: Cytotoxic, cytostatic and chemotactic effects of poly-lysine-methotrexate-conjugates

- Chemotaxis plays a role in Leishmania differentiation and in parasite-host-cell interaction.
- The two-chamber capillary assay evaluates MTX-conjugates chemotactic properties in Leishmania.
- The N-terminal amino acid (Ser or Glu) in the branches affect MTX-conjugates chemotactic activity.
- Attachment sites in MTX-conjugates (α- or γ-groups) determine their chemotactic activity.
- Cytotoxic and cytostatic effects suggest that MTX-conjugates are selective for Leishmania.