UnderstandingLeishmaniaparasites through proteomics and implications for the clinic

Abstract

Leishmania spp. are causative agents of leishmaniasis, a broad-spectrum neglected vector-borne disease. Genomic and transcriptional studies are not capable of solving intricate biological mysteries, leading to the emergence of proteomics, which can provide insights into the field of parasite biology and its interactions with the host. Areas covered: The combination of genomics and informatics with high throughput proteomics may improve our understanding of parasite biology and pathogenesis. This review analyses the roles of diverse proteomic technologies that facilitate our understanding of global protein profiles and definition of parasite development, survival, virulence and drug resistance mechanisms for disease intervention. Additionally, recent innovations in proteomics have provided insights concerning the drawbacks associated with conventional chemotherapeutic approaches and Leishmania biology, host-parasite interactions and the development of new therapeutic approaches. Expert commentary: With progressive breakthroughs in the foreseeable future, proteome profiles could provide target molecules for vaccine development and therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, proteomics, in combination with genomics and informatics, could facilitate the elimination of several diseases. Taken together, this review provides an outlook on developments in Leishmania proteomics and their clinical implications.

Proteomics and Leishmaniasis: Potential Clinical Applications

“…Some clinical applications of proteomics in leishmaniasis have been covered in a recent review by Sundar and Singh. [14] We agree with these authors that one of the main challenges for clinical proteomics in leishmaniasis is to fulfill the gap between biomarker discovery and well-established clinical procedures. The complexity of the proteome and lack of standardization in experimental methodologies and data processing were pointed as important factors limiting the implementation of proteomics in medical practice for leishmaniasis.…”

“…We believe, however, that proteomics capabilities have not yet been fully explored in leishmaniasis for routine clinical analysis. Some clinical applications of proteomics in leishmaniasis have been covered in a recent review by Sundar and Singh . We agree with these authors that one of the main challenges for clinical proteomics in leishmaniasis is to fulfill the gap between biomarker discovery and well‐established clinical procedures.…”

“…We agree with these authors that one of the main challenges for clinical proteomics in leishmaniasis is to fulfill the gap between biomarker discovery and well‐established clinical procedures. The complexity of the proteome and lack of standardization in experimental methodologies and data processing were pointed as important factors limiting the implementation of proteomics in medical practice for leishmaniasis . Indeed, biomarker discovery and validation in animal experimental models do not always translate to the human counterpart leading to weak clinical performance of the identified marker .…”

“…intermediate [186] Requires quality-controlled antigen [187] DAT: 18 h FAST: 3 h [185] DAT-LPC: Storage at 2-8°C [188] Yes Yes PCR US$34.02 (Brazil) [181] * VL WB: 70-100% BM: 95-97% Serum: 85-96% Urine: 88-97% [14] CL MCL: 59-81% [189] VL WB: 85-99% BM: 92-100% Serum: 100% Urine: 100% [14] CL MCL: 83-98% [189] Expertise required: high [186] 4-5 h [186] No No…”

“…Large‐scale “omics” techniques such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have helped in elucidating host‐related pathways modulated upon infection and prioritizing novel parasite antigen candidates. A recent review has compiled the diverse proteomic technologies applied to study Leishmania biology, focusing on parasite development, survival, virulence, and drug resistance . In the present review, we aim to present and discuss the data generated by proteomic analyses in terms of their application in important issues in leishmaniasis such as parasite resistance to chemotherapy, diagnosis of active disease in patients and dogs, markers for different clinical forms, identification of virulence factors and their potential use in vaccination ( Figure ).…”