Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, and remains a significant health challenge, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare. Although MDT is effective in curing the disease, transmission persists, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies. This review explores the potential of novel phytochemicals as therapeutic agents targeting key proteins of M. leprae, specifically ESAT-6 and Lsr2, through descriptor analysis and molecular docking studies. Phytochemicals, being natural compounds, offer a broad chemical diversity and potentially lower side effects, making them promising candidates for drug development.
The study focuses on phytochemicals which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. By employing descriptor analysis, the study aims to screen phytochemicals as potent candidates for drug designing to treat leprosy. Molecular docking further helps understand the binding interactions between these phytochemicals and the target proteins, giving us insights into their binding affinities and specificities.
The review emphasises the significance of targeting Lsr2, a DNA-binding protein that helps with gene regulation and immune response modulation, and ESAT-6, a secretion system critical for virulence and immune evasion. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing new strategies to counter the disease. This study aims to contribute to the identification of effective phytochemicals to inhibit the function of these proteins, potentially reducing the advancement of leprosy and enhancing treatment options.