PI3K-γ inhibitors in the therapeutic intervention of diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens

Our increased understanding of host pathogen interactions shows that pathogens could capitalize on host cell pathways to favor entry and disease establishment. One such pathway used by Leishmania mexicana to enter into neutrophils and macrophages is the PI3Kγ signaling pathway. We recently showed that the use of the PI3Kγ inhibitor AS-605240 for the treatment of experimental L. mexicana infection in mice resulted in significantly lower parasite burdens and lesion sizes than WT untreated mice. Further, AS-605240 was found to be as effective as Sodium Stibogluconate, the drug of choice for treatment of L. mexicana infection, in reducing parasite burdens in mice. Here, we provide potential mechanisms of PI3Kγ blockade in promoting resistance to L. mexicana infection in mice. As a proof of principle, we propose that targeting host cell signaling pathways used in the establishment of infection could be a possible therapeutic option in the management of obligate intracellular pathogens.