Metallopeptidases as Key Virulence Attributes of Clinically Relevant Protozoa: New Discoveries, Perspectives, and Frontiers of Knowledge

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of several subclasses of metallo-type peptidases expressed by the main clinically relevant protozoa, including Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, and Trichomonas vaginalis. These species comprise a diverse group of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms responsible for widespread and severe human infections. Metallopeptidases, defined as hydrolases with activity mediated by divalent metal cation, play important roles in the induction and maintenance of parasitic infections. In this context, metallopeptidases can be considered veritable virulence factors in protozoa with direct/indirect participation in several key pathophysiological processes, including adherence, invasion, evasion, excystation, central metabolism, nutrition, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Indeed, metallopeptidases have become an important and valid target to search for new compounds with chemotherapeutic purposes. The present review aims to gather updates regarding metallopeptidase subclasses, exploring their participation in protozoa virulence as well as investigating the similarity of peptidase sequences through bioinformatics techniques in order to discover clusters of greater relevance for the development of new broad antiparasitic molecules.

Silver(I) and Copper(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione Complexes as Promising Antivirulence Strategy against Leishmania: Focus on Gp63 (Leishmanolysin)

“…Moreover, these complexes triggered the apoptosis-like death in L. amazonensis [ 25 ]. Parasite proliferation relies on their ability to acquire nutrients from various sources, and enzymes, including peptidases, play crucial roles in this vital process [ 48 ]. In this context, gp63 is directly involved in the nutritional capability of living Leishmania cells [ 48 ].…”

“…Parasite proliferation relies on their ability to acquire nutrients from various sources, and enzymes, including peptidases, play crucial roles in this vital process [ 48 ]. In this context, gp63 is directly involved in the nutritional capability of living Leishmania cells [ 48 ]. Based on these premises, promastigotes were treated with both test complexes at their IC 50 and 2 × IC 50 values for 24 h. Under these experimental conditions, the promastigotes maintained their viability and morphology.…”