The unusual lipid binding proteins of parasitic helminths and their potential roles in parasitism and as therapeutic targets.

FRANCHINI, G.R.; PORFIDO, J; IBAÑEZ SHIMABUKURO M; REY BURUSCO F; BELGAMO J; SMITH BO; KENNEDY MW; B. CÓRSICO

PROSTAGLANDINS LEUKOTRIENES AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 1841 p. 1733 - 1740

0952-3278

Helminth parasites produce and secrete a great variety of lipid binding proteins (LBPs) that may participate in the acquisition of nutrients from their host, such as fatty acids and cholesterol. It is also postulated that LBPs might interfere in the regulation of the host´s immune response by sequestering lipidic intermediates or delivering bioactive lipids. A detailed comprehension of the structure of these proteins, as well as their interactions with ligands and membranes, is important to an understanding of host-parasite relationships that they may mediate. This information could also contribute to determining the role that these proteins may play in the biology of parasitic helminths and how they modulate the immune systems of their hosts, and also towards the development of new therapeutics and prevention of the diseases caused by these highly pathogenic parasites.