Recombinant Protein Expression in Leishmania tarentolae

Abstract

A variety of recombinant protein expression systems have been developed for heterologous genes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems such as bacteria, yeast, mammals, insects, transgenic animals, and plants. Recently Leishmania tarentolae, a trypanosomatid protozoan parasite of the white-spotted wall gecko (Tarentola annularis), has been suggested as candidate for heterologous genes expression. Trypanosomatidae are rich in glycoproteins, which can account for more than 10% of total protein; the oligosaccharide structures are similar to those of mammals with N-linked galactose, and fucose residues. To date several heterologous proteins have been expressed in L. tarentolae including both cytoplasmic enzymes and membrane receptors. Significant advances in the development of new strains and vectors, improved techniques, and the commercial availability of those tools coupled with a better understanding of the biology of Leishmania species will lead to value and power in commercial and research labs alike.

Cloning and expression of human IFN-γ in Leishmania tarentolae

“…Collectively, the studies demonstrate that the basic features of the Trypanosomatidae secretory-endocytic pathways are very similar to those found in higher eukaryotic expression systems such as mammalian cell lines (Ralton et al 2002;Clayton and Shapira 2007;Basile and Peticca 2009). Hence, in this study an attempt was made to express the recombinant human IFN-c in L. tarentolae.…”

Different protein expression systems can influence the direction of the immune responses against HCV core protein in animal model

“…For example, Laminin (LM)-332, a large heterotrimeric glycoprotein, produced in L. tarentolae has shown similar cell adhesion activity to LM-332 which was purified from mammalian cells, indicating its proper folding and assembly [21]. Moreover, this system is suitable to express recombinant proteins with a tag, allowing easy purification and detection of the recombinant protein [22].…”

A non-pathogenic live vector as an efficient delivery system in vaccine design for the prevention of HPV16 E7-overexpressing cancers

“…Furthermore, targeting the activation of DCs is an important strategy associated with the development of cancer vaccines since these cells play a central role in the induction of anti-tumor immunity (Seo et al, 2009). In the present study, we investigated the potential of a non-pathogenic parasite, L. tarentolae (Basile & Peticca, 2009) against tumor as a live vaccine candidate vector to efficiently target DCs and lymphoid organs, thus enhancing antigen presentation and consequently influencing the magnitude and quality of T cell immune responses. In addition, the fusion of antigen with heat shock proteins is one such strategy for enhancing immune responses and regression of HPV-16 E7-expressing tumors in mice (Devaraj et al, 2003).…”

“…Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of new safe live vaccine vectors that are capable of enhancing antigen presentation and eliciting potent immune responses without the risk of development of disease in humans. Recently, Leishmania tarentolae (L.tar), a unicellular eukaryotic protozoan, has been established as candidate for heterologous genes expression (Basile & Peticca, 2009). The studies have shown the potential of L. tarentolae that is non-pathogenic to humans, as a live candidate vaccine.…”