ABSTRACT
Introduction: Leishmania spp. are causative agents of leishmaniasis, a broad-spectrum neglected vector-borne disease. Genomic and transcriptional studies are not capable of solving intricate biological mysteries, leading to the emergence of proteomics, which can provide insights into the field of parasite biology and its interactions with the host.
Areas covered: The combination of genomics and informatics with high throughput proteomics may improve our understanding of parasite biology and pathogenesis. This review analyses the roles of diverse proteomic technologies that facilitate our understanding of global protein profiles and definition of parasite development, survival, virulence and drug resistance mechanisms for disease intervention. Additionally, recent innovations in proteomics have provided insights concerning the drawbacks associated with conventional chemotherapeutic approaches and Leishmania biology, host-parasite interactions and the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Expert commentary: With progressive breakthroughs in the foreseeable future, proteome profiles could provide target molecules for vaccine development and therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, proteomics, in combination with genomics and informatics, could facilitate the elimination of several diseases. Taken together, this review provides an outlook on developments in Leishmania proteomics and their clinical implications.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.