Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa
Virulence in pathogenic protozoa is often tied to secretory processes such as the expression of adhesins on parasite surfaces or the secretion of proteases to assisted in tissue invasion and other proteins to avoid the immune system. This review is a broad overview of the endomembrane systems of pat...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2021-08-01
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| Series: | Life |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/8/822 |
| _version_ | 1797523195503312896 |
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| author | Mark F. Wiser |
| author_facet | Mark F. Wiser |
| author_sort | Mark F. Wiser |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Virulence in pathogenic protozoa is often tied to secretory processes such as the expression of adhesins on parasite surfaces or the secretion of proteases to assisted in tissue invasion and other proteins to avoid the immune system. This review is a broad overview of the endomembrane systems of pathogenic protozoa with a focus on <i>Giardia</i>, <i>Trichomonas</i>, <i>Entamoeba</i>, kinetoplastids, and apicomplexans. The focus is on unique features of these protozoa and how these features relate to virulence. In general, the basic elements of the endocytic and exocytic pathways are present in all protozoa. Some of these elements, especially the endosomal compartments, have been repurposed by the various species and quite often the repurposing is associated with virulence. The Apicomplexa exhibit the most unique endomembrane systems. This includes unique secretory organelles that play a central role in interactions between parasite and host and are involved in the invasion of host cells. Furthermore, as intracellular parasites, the apicomplexans extensively modify their host cells through the secretion of proteins and other material into the host cell. This includes a unique targeting motif for proteins destined for the host cell. Most notable among the apicomplexans is the malaria parasite, which extensively modifies and exports numerous proteins into the host erythrocyte. These modifications of the host erythrocyte include the formation of unique membranes and structures in the host erythrocyte cytoplasm and on the erythrocyte membrane. The transport of parasite proteins to the host erythrocyte involves several unique mechanisms and components, as well as the generation of compartments within the erythrocyte that participate in extraparasite trafficking. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T08:39:57Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4e6ccca229524728b68792a2daba8e80 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T08:39:57Z |
| publishDate | 2021-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj.art-4e6ccca229524728b68792a2daba8e802023-11-22T08:23:25ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292021-08-0111882210.3390/life11080822Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic ProtozoaMark F. Wiser0Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USAVirulence in pathogenic protozoa is often tied to secretory processes such as the expression of adhesins on parasite surfaces or the secretion of proteases to assisted in tissue invasion and other proteins to avoid the immune system. This review is a broad overview of the endomembrane systems of pathogenic protozoa with a focus on <i>Giardia</i>, <i>Trichomonas</i>, <i>Entamoeba</i>, kinetoplastids, and apicomplexans. The focus is on unique features of these protozoa and how these features relate to virulence. In general, the basic elements of the endocytic and exocytic pathways are present in all protozoa. Some of these elements, especially the endosomal compartments, have been repurposed by the various species and quite often the repurposing is associated with virulence. The Apicomplexa exhibit the most unique endomembrane systems. This includes unique secretory organelles that play a central role in interactions between parasite and host and are involved in the invasion of host cells. Furthermore, as intracellular parasites, the apicomplexans extensively modify their host cells through the secretion of proteins and other material into the host cell. This includes a unique targeting motif for proteins destined for the host cell. Most notable among the apicomplexans is the malaria parasite, which extensively modifies and exports numerous proteins into the host erythrocyte. These modifications of the host erythrocyte include the formation of unique membranes and structures in the host erythrocyte cytoplasm and on the erythrocyte membrane. The transport of parasite proteins to the host erythrocyte involves several unique mechanisms and components, as well as the generation of compartments within the erythrocyte that participate in extraparasite trafficking.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/8/822protozoasecretory pathwayendomembranespathogenesisvirulencehost-parasite interaction |
| spellingShingle | Mark F. Wiser Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa Life protozoa secretory pathway endomembranes pathogenesis virulence host-parasite interaction |
| title | Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa |
| title_full | Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa |
| title_fullStr | Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa |
| title_short | Unique Endomembrane Systems and Virulence in Pathogenic Protozoa |
| title_sort | unique endomembrane systems and virulence in pathogenic protozoa |
| topic | protozoa secretory pathway endomembranes pathogenesis virulence host-parasite interaction |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/11/8/822 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT markfwiser uniqueendomembranesystemsandvirulenceinpathogenicprotozoa |