Extracellular Matrix Interacting Proteins of Trypanosomatids: Adhesion and Invasion of Host Tissues
Shreyasi Palit and Pijush K. Das
from: Molecular Biology of Kinetoplastid Parasites (Edited by: Hemanta K. Majumder). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2018) Pages: 207-220.
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM), a highly dynamic, complex three dimensional macromolecular structure is ubiquitously present in tissues forming the basal lamina. Comprising of laminin, collagen, fibronectin, elastin, proteoglycan and several other glycoproteins, ECM acts as a major mechanical barrier to almost all known invasive pathogens. Therefore, pathogens are constantly evolving measures to breach this barrier for their survival within the host. Most pathogens therefore remodel ECM either by binding to its component glycoproteins by their ECM binding proteins or by degrading the matrix by secreting several matrix-degrading enzymes in order to adhere, invade and survive within the host tissue. Recent advances have suggested trypanosomatids which include Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma sp., Phytomonas sp., etc., also utilize a repertoire of ECM interacting proteins in order to bind and mediate downstream signalling events in order to establish its niche. This article therefore emphasizes on understanding the array of proteins of trypanosomatids that interact with the ECM components of the host during the early stages of infection so that they can be exploited in future to develop new drugs read more ...