Serum proteomic signature of Trypanosoma evansi -infected mice for identification of potential biomarkers

Trypanosoma evansi is the agent of surra, a trypanosomosis endemic in many areas worldwide. Trypanosoma proteins released/secreted during infection are attractive biomarkers for disease detection and monitoring. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we performed a comprehensive analysis of the serum pmteome of mice infected with T.evansi and detected changes in the abundance of parasite and host serum proteins during infection. Following bioinformatics analysis, 30 T. evansi proteins were identified in the mice serum including known targets such as pyruvate kinase 1, beta-tubulin, actin A, heat shock protein 70, and cyclophilin A. We also identified two exclusive VSG epitopes which are novel putative biomarker targets. In addition, upregulation of 31 mouse proteins, including chitinase-like protein 3 and monocyte differentiation antigen CD14, were observed. Identification of parasite-specific biomarkers in the host serum is critical for the development of reliable serological/ assays for differential diagnosis.

Automated summary

The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the serum proteome of mice infected with Trypanosoma evansi using LC-MS/MS, identifying 30 T. evansi proteins and 31 mouse proteins with abundance changes. Two exclusive VSG epitopes were also identified in the host serum.