Abstract
The etiological agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi contains 2-Cys peroxiredoxins (Prx) localized in mitochondria (TcMPX) and cytosol (TcCPX) as part of its antioxidant armamentarium. The participation of these Prx in the defense towards the host and parasite-derived oxidative stress led us to postulate them as virulence factors. In addition to its peroxidase activity, 2-Cys Prx have alternative functions. In this work, we studied the peroxidase, holdase and signaling functions of TcMPX in the context of parasite-macrophage and drug interactions (nifurtimox, NFX). Parasites overexpressing TcMPX were more infective compared to wild type (wt) under macrophage-derived O2•- and/or ONOO- generation indicating the protective role of TcMPX during infection. Additionally, TcMPX overexpressers also contain higher holdase activity and were more resistant to NFX-treatment. Importantly, wt parasites treated with NFX increase TcMPX protein content suggesting the involvement of the holdase activity in the stress response towards NFX. Finally, under stress conditions, TcMPX protein-disulfide adducts were detected indicating additional redox protein partners which may participate in the biological actions of TcMPX.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.