Killer Peptide-Containing Polyelectrolytic Nanocomplexes to Fight Toxoplasma gondii Infection

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses risks to immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.
• Current treatments for toxoplasmosis have limitations, including inability to eliminate encysted bradyzoites and significant side effects.
• Antimicrobial killer peptides (KP) show therapeutic potential, but their intracellular delivery is a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hyaluronate-based nanoparticles loaded with KP (KP-NPs) for targeting T. gondii-infected cells.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of KP-NPs against T. gondii and Candida albicans.
• To determine if nanoparticle encapsulation enhances KP's activity against intracellular parasites.

Main Methods:

• KP-NPs were produced using microfluidics with chitosan and hyaluronate.
• Nanoparticles were characterized for size, charge, encapsulation efficiency, and stability.
• In vitro activity was tested against Candida albicans and T. gondii (free tachyzoites and infected human foreskin fibroblasts).

Main Results:

• KP was efficiently encapsulated and protected within nanoparticles.
• KP-NPs demonstrated significant efficacy against Candida albicans and T. gondii.
• KP-NPs showed comparable or improved efficacy against intracellular T. gondii compared to free KP, suggesting enhanced cellular uptake.
• Blank nanoparticles (BLK-NPs) also exhibited some anti-parasitic activity.

Conclusions:

• Encapsulation of KP into hyaluronate/chitosan nanoparticles preserves its activity and enhances efficacy against intracellular T. gondii.
• KP-NPs represent a promising strategy for improved toxoplasmosis treatment.
• Further investigation into the anti-parasitic properties of BLK-NPs is warranted.