ENTPDases from Pathogenic Trypanosomatids and Purinergic Signaling: Shedding Light towards Biotechnological Applications

• Published in: Current topics in medicinal chemistry Vol. 21; no. 3; p. 213
• Main Authors: da Silva, Walmir, da Rocha Torres, Nancy, de Melo Agripino, Joice, da Silva, Victor Hugo Ferraz, de Souza, Anna Cláudia Alves, Ribeiro, Isadora Cunha, de Oliveira, Tatiana Aparecida, de Souza, Luciana Angelo, Andrade, Lethicia Kelly Ramos, de Moraes, João Victor Badaró, Diogo, Marcel Arruda, de Castro, Raíssa Barbosa, Polêto, Marcelo Depolo, Afonso, Luis Carlos Crocco, Fietto, Juliana Lopes Rangel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 2021
• Subjects: Chagas Disease; Biotechnology; Leishmaniasis; Parasites; ENTPDases; Purinergic signaling
• ISSN: 1873-4294
• DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666201005125146

ENTPDases are enzymes known for hydrolyzing extracellular nucleotides and playing an essential role in controlling the nucleotide signaling via nucleotide/purinergic receptors P2. Moreover, ENTPDases, together with Ecto-5´-nucleotidase activity, affect the adenosine signaling via P1 receptors. These signals control many biological processes, including the immune system. In this context, ATP is considered as a trigger to inflammatory signaling, while adenosine (Ado) induces anti-inflammatory response. The trypanosomatids Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi, pathogenic agents of Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease, respectively, have their own ENTPDases named "TpENTPDases," which can affect the nucleotide signaling, adhesion and infection, in order to favor the parasite. Besides, TpENTPDases are essential for the parasite nutrition, since the Purine De Novo synthesis pathway is absent in them, which makes these pathogens dependent on the intake of purines and nucleopurines for the Salvage Pathway, in which TpENTPDases also take place. Here, we review information regarding TpNTPDases, including their known biological roles and their effect on the purinergic signaling. We also highlight the roles of these enzymes in parasite infection and their biotechnological applications, while pointing to future developments.