Infinity war : Trichomonas vaginalis and interactions with the host immune response

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is the pathological agent of the human trichomoniasis, with an incidence of 156 million cases worldwide. Due to the increasing resistance of isolates to approved drugs and the clinical complications that include the increase in the acquisition and transmission of HIV, the adverse outcomes during pregnancy, and cervical and prostate cancer, the understanding of the pathogen interaction with the host immune response becomes essential. Production of cytokines and cells of innate immunity: Neutrophils and macrophages are the main cells involved in the fight against the parasite, while IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α are the most produced cytokines in response to this infection. Clinical complications: T. vaginalis increases the acquisition of HIV, stimulates the invasiveness and growth of prostate cells and generates an inflammatory environment that can lead to preterm birth. Vaccine candidate targets: Adhesion proteins, cysteine peptidase, and α-actinin are currently cited as candidate targets for a vaccine development. Antibodies: IgG and IgG1 was found in serum samples of rodents infected with isolates from symptomatic patients as well as patients with symptoms. However, this antibodies production does not protect against a reinfection. Endosymbiosis: Mycoplasma hominis increased the cytotoxicity, growth, and survival rate of the parasite. In this context, the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the host-T. vaginalis interaction that elicit the immune response can contribute to the development of new targets to combat trichomoniasis.