Molecular basis of the trafficking of cysteine proteases and other soluble lysosomal proteins in entamoeba histolytica

Abstract

Cysteine proteases (CPs) are the essential virulent factor of Entamoeba histolytica. Although the physiological and pathological roles of CPs have been demonstrated, the molecular basis of intracellular traffi cking of CPs has only begun to be unveiled. Recent work has revealed the mechanisms of intra- and extracellular transport of CPs and other soluble lysosomal proteins in E. histolytica. Such proteins involved in the mechanisms include Rab small GTPases, their effectors, the intrinsic inhibitor of CPs, and a unique family of receptors responsible for lysosomal transport. In this chapter, we give an overview of the current understanding of molecules and mechanisms involved in the transport of CPs and other soluble lysosomal proteins in E. histolytica.