Advancing Trypanosoma cruzi N-myristoyltransferase as a drug target for Chagas disease through in silico discovery and biochemical evaluation

Biochemical characterization and phenotypic testing support TcNMT as a viable therapeutic target for Chagas disease. QUINE demonstrates the most favorable pharmacological profile, combining antiparasitic activity with excellent selectivity and low host toxicity, making it a strong lead candidate for future drug optimization. Proteomics data indicate that NMT inhibition disrupts critical pathways required for parasite viability yet spares host cellular machinery, reinforcing the mechanistic selectivity of TcNMT targeting. Further studies are warranted to improve potency and evaluate in vivo efficacy.