Eimeria proteins: order amidst disorder

Parasit Vectors. 2022 Jan 24;15(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s13071-022-05159-0.

Abstract

Apicomplexans are important pathogens that cause severe infections in humans and animals. The biology and pathogeneses of these parasites have shown that proteins are intrinsically modulated during developmental transitions, physiological processes and disease progression. Also, proteins are integral components of parasite structural elements and organelles. Among apicomplexan parasites, Eimeria species are an important disease aetiology for economically important animals wherein identification and characterisation of proteins have been long-winded. Nonetheless, this review seeks to give a comprehensive overview of constitutively expressed Eimeria proteins. These molecules are discussed across developmental stages, organelles and sub-cellular components vis-à-vis their biological functions. In addition, hindsight and suggestions are offered with intention to summarise the existing trend of eimerian protein characterisation and to provide a baseline for future studies.

Keywords: Antigen; Apicomplexa; Coccidiosis; Eimeria; Parasite; Protein; Secretion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan* / genetics
  • Antigens, Protozoan* / metabolism
  • Apicomplexa / genetics
  • Apicomplexa / metabolism
  • Bodily Secretions* / metabolism
  • Bodily Secretions* / parasitology
  • Chickens / parasitology
  • Coccidiosis / diagnosis
  • Coccidiosis / parasitology
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary
  • Eimeria tenella / genetics
  • Eimeria tenella / metabolism
  • Eimeria* / genetics
  • Eimeria* / metabolism
  • Genes, Protozoan
  • Host-Parasite Interactions
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Merozoites / metabolism
  • Oocysts / metabolism
  • Organelles / metabolism
  • Peptide Hydrolases / genetics
  • Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Poultry Diseases / diagnosis
  • Poultry Diseases / parasitology
  • Protein Transport
  • Sporozoites / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Peptide Hydrolases