Insights into the Role of Proteolytic and Adhesive Domains of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases from <i>Bothrops</i> spp. in the Control of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasmosis is an alarming public health problem that affects more than one-third of the world's population. In our work, we investigated the antiparasitic effects of catalytically active [BpMP-I and Jararhagin (Jar)] and catalytically inactive [Jararhagin-C (Jar-C)] snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) in human HeLa cells. These toxins impaired the parasite invasion and intracellular growth, and modulated IL-6, IL-8, and MIF cytokines that control the cell susceptibility and response against T. gondii. Furthermore, we verified that the antiprotozoal activities are not restricted to the presence of the proteolytic domain, and the adhesive domains participate in the control of T. gondii infection. Also, by analyzing the structures of Jar and Jar-C through molecular modelin

SUBMITTER: Teixeira SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11861417 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature