Proteomic insights into parasite biology

A Complex Proteomic Response of the Parasitic Nematode Anisakis simplex s.s. to Escherichia coliLipopolysaccharide

Helminths are masters at manipulating host's immune response. Especially, parasitic nematodes have evolved strategies that allow them to evade, suppress, or modulate host's immune response to persist and spread in the host's organism. While the immunomodulatory effects of nematodes on their hosts are studied with a great commitment, very little is known about nematodes' own immune system, immune response to their pathogens, and interactions between parasites and bacteria in the host's organism. To illustrate the response of the parasitic nematode Anisakis simplex s.s. during simulated interaction with Escherichia coli, different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used, and the proteomic analysis with isobaric mass tags for relative and absolute quantification (tandem mass tag-based LC-MS/MS) was performed. In addition, gene expression and biochemical analyses of selected markers of oxidative stress were determined. The results revealed 1148 proteins in a group of which 115 were identified as differentially regulated proteins, for example, peroxiredoxin, thioredoxin, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Gene Ontology annotation and Reactome pathway analysis indicated that metabolic pathways related to catalytic activity, oxidation-reduction processes, antioxidant activity, response to stress, and innate immune system were the most common, in which differentially regulated proteins were involved. Further biochemical analyses let us confirm that the LPS induced the oxidative stress response, which plays a key role in the innate immunity of parasitic nematodes. Our findings, to our knowledge, indicate for the first time, the complexity of the interaction of parasitic nematode, A. simplex s.s. with bacterial LPS, which mimics the coexistence of helminth and gut bacteria in the host. The simulation of this crosstalk led us to conclude that the obtained results could be hugely valuable in the integrated systems biology approach to describe a relationship between parasite, host, and its commensal bacteria.

Proteomic Insights into the Biology of the Most Important Foodborne Parasites in Europe

Foodborne parasitoses compared with bacterial and viral-caused diseases seem to be neglected, and their unrecognition is a serious issue. Parasitic diseases transmitted by food are currently becoming more common. Constantly changing eating habits, new culinary trends, and easier access to food make foodborne parasites' transmission effortless, and the increase in the diagnosis of foodborne parasitic diseases in noted worldwide. This work presents the applications of numerous proteomic methods into the studies on foodborne parasites and their possible use in targeted diagnostics. Potential directions for the future are also provided.