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Leishmaniasis constitutes a severe public health problem, with an estimated prevalence of 12 million cases. This potentially fatal disease has a worldwide distribution and in 2012, the fatal Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) was declared as new emerging disease in Europe, mainly due to global warming, with expected important public health impact. The available treatments are toxic, costly or lead to parasite resistance, thus there is an urgent need for new drugs with new mechanism of action. Previously, we reported the discovery of CTN1122 , a potent imidazo[1,2- a ]pyrazine-based antileishmanial hit compound targeting L-CK1.2 at low micromolar ranges. Here, we described structurally related, safe and selective compounds endowed with antiparasitic properties, better than miltefosine, the reference therapy by oral route. L-CK1.2 homology model gave the first structural explanations of the role of 4-pyridyl (CTN1122) and 2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl (compound 21) moieties, at the position 3 of the central core, in the low micromolar to nanomolar L-CK1.2 inhibition, whereas N -methylpyrazole derivative 11 remained inactive against the parasite kinase. Image 1 • 13 new imidazo[1,2- a ]pyrazines related to CTN1122 were synthesized as antileishmanials • The most promising and safe compounds displayed low micromolar range potency against VL. • L-CK1.2 homology model gave the first structural explanations of inhibitory activity. • 6 compounds showed low micromolar to nanomolar range L-CK1.2 inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes networks of parasitologists in Europe. Some research networks are supported by the European Commission within highly diverse framework programs. The European Federation of Parasitologists aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and the coordination of research in the fields of basic, veterinary and medical parasitology, particularly via meetings (e.g. the European Multicolloquium of Parasitology) that offer an unparalleled opportunity to assess the development of the discipline on the continent. The present situation is discussed here and some perspectives are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]