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

• Published in: Current protein & peptide science Vol. 24; no. 4; p. 307
• Main Authors: Vargas Rigo, Graziela, Gomes Cardoso, Fernanda, Bongiorni Galego, Giulia, da Rosa, Deisiane Fernanda, Dos Santos, André Luis Souza, Tasca, Tiana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 01.01.2023
• Subjects: infection; Peptidase; virulence; metallopeptidase; plasmepsins; enzyme target; protozoa
• ISSN: 1875-5550
• DOI: 10.2174/1389203724666230306153001

This article provides a comprehensive review of several subclasses of metallo-type peptidases expressed by the main clinically relevant protozoa, including spp., , spp., spp., spp., , and . 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 bioinformatic techniques in order to discover clusters of great relevance for the development of new broad antiparasitic molecules.