Mini Review: Identification of Arginase Flavonoid Inhibitors against Leishmaniasis and Molecular Docking of Flavonoids

Leishmaniasis is a significant global health problem caused by parasites transmitted through sandflies. Current treatments have limitations, and the lack of vaccines necessitates the exploration of new therapeutic options. One potential target is a protein called glycoprotein 63 (gp63), found on the surface of Leishmania parasites, which plays a role in the parasite's virulence. Computational methods, including molecular docking, can help predict protein structures and interactions with small molecules. This study presents a three-dimensional model of gp63 from Leishmania panamensis, validated for reliability. Molecular docking was used to analyze the binding of flavonoid compounds with gp63 from L. major and L. panamensis, providing insights for potential inhibitors. Another study discusses the importance of arginase, an enzyme involved in the parasite's survival, as a therapeutic target for Leishmania. Arginase inhibitors have shown promise in controlling infection by inducing oxidative stress in the parasite. Natural compounds, particularly flavonoids, have shown promise as arginase inhibitors and potential therapeutic agents against leishmaniasis.