Beyond Rejection: Exploring Tacrolimus's Hidden Potential in Toxoplasmosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, is a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, including transplant recipients.
• Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus are crucial immunosuppressants in transplant medicine.
• Cyclosporine, a similar calcineurin inhibitor, demonstrates antiparasitic activity against protozoan parasites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential antiparasitic activity of tacrolimus against *Toxoplasma gondii*.
• To explore tacrolimus as a treatment option for toxoplasmosis, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• To review the existing literature on calcineurin inhibitors and their effects on parasitic infections.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
• Analysis of the mechanism of action of calcineurin inhibitors.
• Comparison of tacrolimus and cyclosporine in the context of parasitic infections.

Main Results:

• *Toxoplasma gondii* relies on the calcineurin pathway for survival and replication.
• Cyclosporine exhibits in vitro and in vivo antiparasitic effects by inhibiting this pathway.
• Tacrolimus shares a similar mechanism of action with cyclosporine.

Conclusions:

• Tacrolimus warrants further investigation for its efficacy and safety in managing toxoplasmosis.
• Calcineurin inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic avenue for toxoplasmosis.
• Additional research is needed to establish tacrolimus's role in toxoplasmosis treatment, alone or in combination therapies.