Research BriefTarget specific-trisubstituted pyrrole inhibits Babesia bovis erythrocytic growth

Babesiosis, a significant veterinary disease and an emerging zoonotic human infection, is caused by certain species of the protozoan parasite, Babesia. Here we report that a trisubstituted pyrrole is a potent inhibitor of Babesia bovis, a bovine parasite. Furthermore, B. bovis expresses the known target of the compound, the cGMP dependent protein kinase. Target conservation and the in vitro efficacy support further investigation of this compound and validation of Babesia cGMP dependent protein kinase as its in vivo target.

Highlights► There is a need for more drugs against Babesiosis. ► A tri-substituted pyrrole inhibits growth of Apicomplexan parasites. ► The tri-substituted pyrrole inhibits Babesia bovis intraerythrocytic cycle. ► Babesia bovis cGMP dependent protein kinase is the likely target of the molecule.