Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2025)
J Jiroft Univ Med Sci 2025, 12(3): 2032-2045 |
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Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Kalantar K, Ashrafi M R, Rashidi S. Key Common Proteins and Pathways in Prevalent Parasitic Protozoa: Insights from Comparative Proteomics. J Jiroft Univ Med Sci 2025; 12 (3) :2032-2045
URL: http://journal.jmu.ac.ir/article-1-897-en.html
URL: http://journal.jmu.ac.ir/article-1-897-en.html
1- Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran ,sajad.rashidi@khomeinums.ac.ir
2- Associate Professor, Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran, Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran ,
Abstract: (9 Views)
Introduction: Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Leishmania species are major protozoan parasites causing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and leishmaniasis. Despite their different life cycles, they share common molecular strategies for survival.
Methods: This review integrates comparative proteomics data to identify these shared mechanisms and evaluate their potential for pan-parasitic interventions.
Results: Our analysis reveals that these parasites rely on a conserved core of pathways, including: (i) stress management via heat shock proteins (HSP70/HSP90); (ii) energy metabolism through multifunctional enzymes like enolase; (iii) post-translational regulation by calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), and the ubiquitin-proteasome system; and (iv) host cell invasion and immune modulation using proteases and apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). Conclusion: Targeting these shared hubs offers a rational strategy for developing broad-spectrum drugs and multivalent vaccines. However, challenges remain, including subtle structural differences between parasite and host orthologs, potential toxicity, and distinct drug delivery requirements. Overcoming these obstacles through structure-guided design and advanced nanocarriers will be essential to translate these common targets into effective, affordable therapies against multiple parasitic diseases. |
Keywords: Comparative Proteomics, Common Drug Targets, Post-Translational Modifications, Protozoan Parasites, Multivalent Vaccine, Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Medical Sciences / Immunology and Biology
Received: 2025/07/10 | Accepted: 2026/10/3 | Published: 2025/12/1
Received: 2025/07/10 | Accepted: 2026/10/3 | Published: 2025/12/1
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