Exploiting Helminth–Host Interactomes through Big Data. Issue 11 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sotillo, Javier; Toledo, Rafael; Mulvenna, Jason; Loukas, Alex
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 33:Issue 11(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 875
• Page End: 888
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: helminth -- secretome -- proteomics -- vaccine -- pharmacopoeia -- immunomodulator; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.06.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Helminths facilitate their parasitic existence through the production and secretion of different molecules, including proteins. Some helminth proteins can manipulate the host's immune system, a phenomenon that is now being exploited with a view to developing therapeutics for inflammatory diseases. In recent years, hundreds of helminth genomes have been sequenced, but as a community we are still taking baby steps when it comes to identifying proteins that govern host–helminth interactions. The information generated from genomic, immunomic, and proteomic studies, as well as from cutting-edge approaches such as proteogenomics, is leading to a substantial volume of big data that can be utilised to shed light on fundamental biology and provide solutions for the development of bioactive-molecule-based therapeutics. Trends: More than 130 genomes, representing over 110 helminth species, have been sequenced in the last decade, and this number is still increasing. In addition, newer platforms offer important resources for genome analysis and data mining. The most successful vaccines against helminths are against parasites of veterinary importance, typically where resistance develops naturally after initial exposure. Thus, there is a need to better characterise the proteomes of parasitic worms to discover new potential vaccine candidates. A proteogenomics approach, combining proteomics data with genome sequencing, can provide invaluable data for the annotation of genes and proteins of helminths. This is an exciting new approach in the field of helminthology that can help to identify novel peptides and proteins involved in host–parasite interactions (Figure 2 ). Protein–protein interaction analyses can provide valuable information for understanding the molecular host–parasite interface, but new, high-throughput approaches are needed for this unexplored area. Array-based methods are showing promise. Although the immunomodulatory properties of helminths have been appreciated for some time, characterisation of the individual bioactive proteins exerting these effects is still in its infancy. Taking advantage of genomic and proteomic big data will capitalise on this unique opportunity to characterise the helminth-derived pharmacopoeia for allergic and autoimmune diseases.