1
|
Mahdavi Poor B, Rashedi J, Asgharzadeh V, Mirmazhary A, Gheitarani N. Proteases of Acanthamoeba. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:19. [PMID: 38063887 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The members of genus Acanthamoeba are the etiological agent of uncommon but severe or even fatal opportunistic infections in human beings. The presence of different classes of intracellular and extracellular proteases including serine proteases, cysteine proteases, and metalloproteases has been well documented in environmental and clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. However, the role of the proteolytic enzymes in physiological, biological, and pathological mechanisms of the amoeba remains partially investigated. Some attempts have been conducted using various methods to determine the profile of proteases (number, class, optimal conditions, and activity of the enzymes), and possible pathogenicity mechanism of the proteolytic enzymes (various protein substrate degradation, cytopathic effect on different cell lines). In some cases, it was attempted to correlate intracellular and extracellular protease profile with pathogenicity potential of strains. This review revealed that the protease profile of different strains of Acanthamoeba was extremely complex, therefore, further comprehensive studies with application of a combination of various methods may help to elucidate the role of the enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behroz Mahdavi Poor
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Ave, Azadi St, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Jalil Rashedi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Ave, Azadi St, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Asgharzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirali Mirmazhary
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Ave, Azadi St, Tabriz, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sierra-López F, Castelan-Ramírez I, Hernández-Martínez D, Salazar-Villatoro L, Segura-Cobos D, Flores-Maldonado C, Hernández-Ramírez VI, Villamar-Duque TE, Méndez-Cruz AR, Talamás-Rohana P, Omaña-Molina M. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Acanthamoeba culbertsoni Have COX and Proteolytic Activity and Induce Hemolysis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2762. [PMID: 38004773 PMCID: PMC10673465 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several species of Acanthamoeba genus are potential pathogens and etiological agents of several diseases. The pathogenic mechanisms carried out by these amoebae in different target tissues have been documented, evidencing the relevant role of contact-dependent mechanisms. With the purpose of describing the pathogenic processes carried out by these protozoans more precisely, we considered it important to determine the emission of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as part of the contact-independent pathogenicity mechanisms of A. culbertsoni, a highly pathogenic strain. Through transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), EVs were characterized. EVs showed lipid membrane and a size between 60 and 855 nm. The secretion of large vesicles was corroborated by confocal and TEM microscopy. The SDS-PAGE of EVs showed proteins of 45 to 200 kDa. Antigenic recognition was determined by Western Blot, and the internalization of EVs by trophozoites was observed through Dil-labeled EVs. In addition, some EVs biological characteristics were determined, such as proteolytic, hemolytic and COX activity. Furthermore, we highlighted the presence of leishmanolysin in trophozites and EVs. These results suggest that EVs are part of a contact-independent mechanism, which, together with contact-dependent ones, allow for a better understanding of the pathogenicity carried out by Acanthamoeba culbertsoni.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Sierra-López
- Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico (I.C.-R.); (D.H.-M.); (D.S.-C.); (A.R.M.-C.)
| | - Ismael Castelan-Ramírez
- Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico (I.C.-R.); (D.H.-M.); (D.S.-C.); (A.R.M.-C.)
| | - Dolores Hernández-Martínez
- Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico (I.C.-R.); (D.H.-M.); (D.S.-C.); (A.R.M.-C.)
| | - Lizbeth Salazar-Villatoro
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (L.S.-V.); (V.I.H.-R.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - David Segura-Cobos
- Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico (I.C.-R.); (D.H.-M.); (D.S.-C.); (A.R.M.-C.)
| | - Catalina Flores-Maldonado
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico;
| | - Verónica Ivonne Hernández-Ramírez
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (L.S.-V.); (V.I.H.-R.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Tomás Ernesto Villamar-Duque
- General Biotery, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Biology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico;
| | - Adolfo René Méndez-Cruz
- Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico (I.C.-R.); (D.H.-M.); (D.S.-C.); (A.R.M.-C.)
| | - Patricia Talamás-Rohana
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (L.S.-V.); (V.I.H.-R.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Maritza Omaña-Molina
- Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico (I.C.-R.); (D.H.-M.); (D.S.-C.); (A.R.M.-C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song P, Zhang X, Wang S, Xu W, Wang F, Fu R, Wei F. Microbial proteases and their applications. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1236368. [PMID: 37779686 PMCID: PMC10537240 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1236368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteases (proteinases or peptidases) are a class of hydrolases that cleave peptide chains in proteins. Endopeptidases are a type of protease that hydrolyze the internal peptide bonds of proteins, forming shorter peptides; exopeptidases hydrolyze the terminal peptide bonds from the C-terminal or N-terminal, forming free amino acids. Microbial proteases are a popular instrument in many industrial applications. In this review, the classification, detection, identification, and sources of microbial proteases are systematically introduced, as well as their applications in food, detergents, waste treatment, and biotechnology processes in the industry fields. In addition, recent studies on techniques used to express heterologous microbial proteases are summarized to describe the process of studying proteases. Finally, future developmental trends for microbial proteases are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
- Shandong Aobo Biotech Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Shuhua Wang
- Shandong Aobo Biotech Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Rongzhao Fu
- Jiangxi Zymerck Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanchang, China
| | - Feng Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bellini NK, Thiemann OH, Reyes-Batlle M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Costa AO. A history of over 40 years of potentially pathogenic free-living amoeba studies in Brazil - a systematic review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210373. [PMID: 35792751 PMCID: PMC9252135 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-living amoeba (FLA) group includes the potentially pathogenic genera Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, Sappinia, and Vermamoeba, causative agents of human infections (encephalitis, keratitis, and disseminated diseases). In Brazil, the first report on pathogenic FLA was published in the 70s and showed meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria spp. FLA studies are emerging, but no literature review is available to investigate this trend in Brazil critically. Thus, the present work aims to integrate and discuss these data. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched, retrieving studies from 1974 to 2020. The screening process resulted in 178 papers, which were clustered into core and auxiliary classes and sorted into five categories: wet-bench studies, dry-bench studies, clinical reports, environmental identifications, and literature reviews. The papers dating from the last ten years account for 75% (134/178) of the total publications, indicating the FLA topic has gained Brazilian interest. Moreover, 81% (144/178) address Acanthamoeba-related matter, revealing this genus as the most prevalent in all categories. Brazil’s Southeast, South, and Midwest geographic regions accounted for 96% (171/178) of the publications studied in the present work. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the pioneer in summarising the FLA research history in Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália Karla Bellini
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Otavio Henrique Thiemann
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - María Reyes-Batlle
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.,Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Oliveira Costa
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martin KH, Borlee GI, Wheat WH, Jackson M, Borlee BR. Busting biofilms: free-living amoebae disrupt preformed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium bovis biofilms. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2020; 166:695-706. [PMID: 32459167 PMCID: PMC7641382 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm-associated infections are difficult to eradicate because of their ability to tolerate antibiotics and evade host immune responses. Amoebae and/or their secreted products may provide alternative strategies to inhibit and disperse biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. We evaluated the potential of five predatory amoebae – Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba lenticulata, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Vermamoeba vermiformis and Dictyostelium discoideum – and their cell-free secretions to disrupt biofilms formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium bovis. The biofilm biomass produced by MRSA and M. bovis was significantly reduced when co-incubated with A. castellanii, A. lenticulata and A. polyphaga, and their corresponding cell-free supernatants (CFS). Acanthamoeba spp. generally produced CFS that mediated biofilm dispersal rather than directly killing the bacteria; however, A. polyphaga CFS demonstrated active killing of MRSA planktonic cells when the bacteria were present at low concentrations. The active component(s) of the A. polyphaga CFS is resistant to freezing, but can be inactivated to differing degrees by mechanical disruption and exposure to heat. D. discoideum and its CFS also reduced preformed M. bovis biofilms, whereas V. vermiformis only decreased M. bovis biofilm biomass when amoebae were added. These results highlight the potential of using select amoebae species or their CFS to disrupt preformed bacterial biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Martin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Grace I Borlee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - William H Wheat
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mary Jackson
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratories, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Bradley R Borlee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khan NA, Anwar A, Siddiqui R. Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Status and Urgent Research Priorities. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5711-5726. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180510125633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background:First discovered in the early 1970s, Acanthamoeba keratitis has remained a major eye infection and presents a significant threat to the public health, especially in developing countries. The aim is to present a timely review of our current understanding of the advances made in this field in a comprehensible manner and includes novel concepts and provides clear directions for immediate research priorities.Methods:We undertook a search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature and also summarized our published results in this field.Results:The present review focuses on novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in details which can provide access to management and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. This coupled with the recently available genome sequence information together with high throughput genomics technology and innovative approaches should stimulate interest in the rational design of preventative and therapeutic measures. Current treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis is problematic and often leads to infection recurrence. Better understanding of diagnosis, pathogenesis, pathophysiology and therapeutic regimens, would lead to novel strategies in treatment and prophylaxis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lorenzo-Morales J, Khan NA, Walochnik J. An update on Acanthamoeba keratitis: diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:10. [PMID: 25687209 PMCID: PMC4330640 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 428] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are causal agents of a severe sight-threatening infection of the cornea known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Moreover, the number of reported cases worldwide is increasing year after year, mostly in contact lens wearers, although cases have also been reported in non-contact lens wearers. Interestingly, Acanthamoeba keratitis has remained significant, despite our advances in antimicrobial chemotherapy and supportive care. In part, this is due to an incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the disease, diagnostic delays and problems associated with chemotherapeutic interventions. In view of the devastating nature of this disease, here we present our current understanding of Acanthamoeba keratitis and molecular mechanisms associated with the disease, as well as virulence traits of Acanthamoeba that may be potential targets for improved diagnosis, therapeutic interventions and/or for the development of preventative measures. Novel molecular approaches such as proteomics, RNAi and a consensus in the diagnostic approaches for a suspected case of Acanthamoeba keratitis are proposed and reviewed based on data which have been compiled after years of working on this amoebic organism using many different techniques and listening to many experts in this field at conferences, workshops and international meetings. Altogether, this review may serve as the milestone for developing an effective solution for the prevention, control and treatment of Acanthamoeba infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Naveed A Khan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Park MK, Cho MK, Kang SA, Park HK, Kim DH, Yu HS. Acanthamoeba protease activity promotes allergic airway inflammation via protease-activated receptor 2. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92726. [PMID: 24658532 PMCID: PMC3962434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living amoeba commonly present in the environment and often found in human airway cavities. Acanthamoeba possesses strong proteases that can elicit allergic airway inflammation. To our knowledge, the aeroallergenicity of Acanthamoeba has not been reported. We repeatedly inoculated mice with Acanthamoeba trophozoites or excretory-secretory (ES) proteins intra-nasally and evaluated symptoms and airway immune responses. Acanthamoeba trophozoites or ES proteins elicited immune responses in mice that resembled allergic airway inflammation. ES proteins had strong protease activity and activated the expression of several chemokine genes (CCL11, CCL17, CCL22, TSLP, and IL-25) in mouse lung epithelial cells. The serine protease inhibitor phenyl-methane-sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) inhibited ES protein activity. ES proteins also stimulated dendritic cells and enhanced the differentiation of naive T cells into IL-4-secreting T cells. After repeated inoculation of the protease-activated receptor 2 knockout mouse with ES proteins, airway inflammation and Th2 immune responses were markedly reduced, but not to basal levels. Furthermore, asthma patients had higher Acanthamoeba-specific IgE titers than healthy controls and we found Acanthamoeba specific antigen from house dust in typical living room. Our findings suggest that Acanthamoeba elicits allergic airway symptoms in mice via a protease allergen. In addition, it is possible that Acanthamoeba may be one of the triggers human airway allergic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Kyung Park
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Immunoregulatory therapeutics group in Brain Busan 21 project, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyoung Cho
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Ae Kang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Immunoregulatory therapeutics group in Brain Busan 21 project, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Kyung Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Sun Yu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Immunoregulatory therapeutics group in Brain Busan 21 project, Busan, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Proteases from Entamoeba spp. and Pathogenic Free-Living Amoebae as Virulence Factors. J Trop Med 2013; 2013:890603. [PMID: 23476670 PMCID: PMC3582061 DOI: 10.1155/2013/890603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard reference for pathogenic and nonpathogenic amoebae is the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica; a direct correlation between virulence and protease expression has been demonstrated for this amoeba. Traditionally, proteases are considered virulence factors, including those that produce cytopathic effects in the host or that have been implicated in manipulating the immune response. Here, we expand the scope to other amoebae, including less-pathogenic Entamoeba species and highly pathogenic free-living amoebae. In this paper, proteases that affect mucin, extracellular matrix, immune system components, and diverse tissues and cells are included, based on studies in amoebic cultures and animal models. We also include proteases used by amoebae to degrade iron-containing proteins because iron scavenger capacity is currently considered a virulence factor for pathogens. In addition, proteases that have a role in adhesion and encystation, which are essential for establishing and transmitting infection, are discussed. The study of proteases and their specific inhibitors is relevant to the search for new therapeutic targets and to increase the power of drugs used to treat the diseases caused by these complex microorganisms.
Collapse
|
10
|
Host-parasite interaction: parasite-derived and -induced proteases that degrade human extracellular matrix. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:748206. [PMID: 22792442 PMCID: PMC3390111 DOI: 10.1155/2012/748206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa are among the most important pathogens worldwide. Diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people. Humans are constantly threatened by infections caused by these pathogens. Parasites engage a plethora of surface and secreted molecules to attach to and enter mammalian cells. The secretion of lytic enzymes by parasites into host organs mediates critical interactions because of the invasion and destruction of interstitial tissues, enabling parasite migration to other sites within the hosts. Extracellular matrix is a complex, cross-linked structure that holds cells together in an organized assembly and that forms the basement membrane lining (basal lamina). The extracellular matrix represents a major barrier to parasites. Therefore, the evolution of mechanisms for connective-tissue degradation may be of great importance for parasite survival. Recent advances have been achieved in our understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology of proteases from parasitic protozoa. The focus of this paper is to discuss the role of protozoan parasitic proteases in the degradation of host ECM proteins and the participation of these molecules as virulence factors. We divide the paper into two sections, extracellular and intracellular protozoa.
Collapse
|