Cruzipain
Cruzipain is a cysteine protease expressed by Trypanosoma cruzi.[1]
It is classified under EC 3.4.22.51.
Cruzipain is a sulfated glycoprotein which plays a role in the parasitic disease known as Chagas disease. It is found to aid the parasite in entering the host cell and in evading an immune response.[2]
Cruzipain can help parasites escape the response from the adaptive immune system by interfering with the functions of immunoglobulins from the immunoglobin G subclasses.[3] These immunoglobulins are bound to receptors[4] and cruzipain interacts with these immunoglobulins by cleaving their hinges.[3]
During smooth muscle cell invasion, cruzipain may mobilize vasoconstricting endothelin receptors, which may interfere with the vasoconstrictor's ability to cause the blood vessels to become narrower.[3]
Cruzipain aids in the process of breaking down host tissue and is prepared to signal the escape mechanism if it detects any response from the host's immune system.[5]
References
- Lalmanach G, Boulangé A, Serveau C, Lecaille F, Scharfstein J, Gauthier F, Authié E (May 2002). "Congopain from Trypanosoma congolense: drug target and vaccine candidate" (PDF). Biological Chemistry. 383 (5): 739–49. doi:10.1515/BC.2002.077. PMID 12108538. S2CID 22315392.
- Duschak VG, Couto AS (2009). "Cruzipain, the major cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi: a sulfated glycoprotein antigen as relevant candidate for vaccine development and drug target. A review". Current Medicinal Chemistry. 16 (24): 3174–202. doi:10.2174/092986709788802971. PMID 19689291.
- Uehara LA, Moreira OC, Oliveira AC, Azambuja P, Lima AP, Britto C, et al. (December 2012). "Cruzipain promotes Trypanosoma cruzi adhesion to Rhodnius prolixus midgut". PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 6 (12): e1958. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0001958. PMC 3521651. PMID 23272264.
- Vidarsson G, Dekkers G, Rispens T (2014-10-20). "IgG subclasses and allotypes: from structure to effector functions". Frontiers in Immunology. 5: 520. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2014.00520. PMC 4202688. PMID 25368619.
- Larrieu E, Mujica G, Gauci CG, Vizcaychipi K, Seleiman M, Herrero E, et al. (2017-06-01). "Pilot Field Trial of the EG95 Vaccine Against Ovine Cystic Echinococcosis in Rio Negro, Argentina: Second Study of Impact". PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 9 (10): e0004134. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0004134. PMC 4627725. PMID 26517877.