Lipid droplets from protozoan parasites: Survival and pathogenicity

Abstract

Lipid droplets (LD) are intracellular sites of lipid storage and metabolism in all cell types. Eukaryotic LDs are involved in eicosanoid production during several inflammatory conditions, including infection by protozoan parasites. In parasites, LDs display role in the acquisition of cholesterol and other neutral lipids from the host. The number of LDs increases during parasite differentiation and the biogenesis of these organelles involves specific signaling pathways including protein kinases. In addition, LDs are involved in the cellular protection of lipotoxicity. Recently, these organelles were implicated in the eicosanoid and specialized lipid metabolisms. Herein, we revised the main function of protozoan parasites LDs and discussed future directions in the comprehension of these organelles in the context of virulence of these pathogens.