Pass the boron: benzoxaboroles as antiparasite drugs

The development of new drug modalities has been facilitated recently by the introduction of boron as a component of organic compounds, and specifically within a benzoxaborale scaffold. This has enabled exploration of new chemical space and the development of effective compounds targeting a broad range of morbidities, including infections by protozoa, fungi, worms, and bacteria. Most notable is the recent demonstration of a single oral dose cure using acoziborole against African trypanosomiasis. Common and species-/structure-specific interactions between benzoxaboroles and parasite species have emerged and provide vital insights into the mechanisms of cidality, as well as potential challenges in terms of resistance and/or side effects. Here, we discuss the literature specific to benzoxaborole studies in parasitic protists and consider unanswered questions concerning this important new drug class.