Bioactive molecules of Taenia solium metacestode, a causative agent of neurocysticercosis

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NC), an infection of the CNS with Taenia solium metacestode, exemplifies formidable public health concerns associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disease is a complex phenomenon involving molecular cell biological cross-talks between the parasite and human host. To effectively combat NC, specific diagnosis and proper management are prerequisites. Bioactive molecules implicated in host–parasite interactions and parasitic homeostasis should be elucidated. This article provides an overview of currently available serological biomarkers, especially those comprising low-molecular-weight proteins, and discusses available immunoproteomics for identification of such molecules. T. solium metacestode bioactive molecules, which might be critically implicated in the progression of NC disease, are summarized. Comprehensive understanding of the biochemical properties and biological functions of bioactive molecules may contribute to the development of novel intervention strategies against NC.

Keywords::

• bioactive molecules
• diagnostic biomarkers
• immunoproteomics
• neurocysticercosis
• Taenia solium metacestode

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to many parasitologists, physicians, radiologists and veterinarians during this work. They are especially grateful to Seung-Yull Cho, Jae-Ran Yu, Keeseon S Eom and Tong-Soo Kim (Korea), Zheng Feng, Xenming Li and Yichao Yang (China), Jagadish Mahanta and Konwar Narain (India), Sylvia Paz Diaz-Camacho (Mexico) and Yukifumi Nawa (Japan) for their sincere collaboration. The continuous support by the National Institute of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Social Welfare and Health Promotion, Korea and by Samsung Biomedical Research Institute are acknowledged. Critical comments and valuable discussions given by Y Nawa are greatly appreciated.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.