Iron chelation and inhibition of metallopeptidases mediate anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity by a novel 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative.

Trichomoniasis is a neglected parasitic infection, with no oral therapeutic alternatives to overcome the pitfalls of currently approved drugs. In this context, the search for new anti-Trichomonas vaginalis drugs is imperative. Here we report the selective anti-T. vaginalis activity of a substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonamide derivative. Six different derivatives were evaluated for anti-T. vaginalis. In vitro and in vivo toxicity methods, association with metal ions, and investigation on the mechanism of action were performed with the most active derivative, PH 152. Cytotoxicity assays showed selectivity for the parasite and the low toxicity was confirmed in G. mellonella larvae model. The mode of action is related to iron chelation by disrupting Fe-S clusters-dependent enzyme activities in the parasite. Proteomic analysis indicated inhibition of metallopeptidases related to T. vaginalis virulence mechanisms and metabolic pathways. PH 152 presented selective trichomonacidal activity through multitarget action.