Programmed cell death pathways as targets for developing antifilarial drugs: Lessons from the recent findings

Abstract

More than half a century has passed since the introduction of the National Filariasis Control Program; however, as of 2023, lymphatic filariasis (LF) still prevails globally, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, posing a substantial challenge to the objective of worldwide elimination. LF is affecting human beings and its economically important livestock leading to a crucial contributor to morbidities and disabilities. The current scenario has been blowing up alarms of attention to develop potent therapeutics and strategies having efficiency against the adult stage of filarial nematodes. In this context, the exploration of a suitable drug target that ensures lethality to macro and microfilariae is now our first goal to achieve. Apoptosis has been the potential target across all three stages of filarial nematodes viz. oocytes, microfilariae (mf) and adults resulting in filarial death after receiving the signal from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and executed through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Hence, it is considered a leading target for developing antifilarial drugs. Herein, we have shown the efficacy of several natural and synthetic compounds/nanoformulations in triggering the apoptotic death of filarial parasites with little or no toxicity to the host body system.

Toll-like receptor-guided therapeutic intervention of human cancers: molecular and immunological perspectives

“…Apart from inducing inflammatory responses, TLRs also exert an antiapoptotic effect on the tumor cells that contribute to cancer progression ( 45 – 47 ). Apoptosis is an ordered and orchestrated biological process regulating cellular homeostasis by programmed cell death ( 48 , 49 ). Immortalization of cells through acquiring resistance to the apoptotic process is another hallmark of cancer development ( 50 ).…”