title: The unusual lipid binding proteins of parasitic helminths and their potential roles in parasitism and as therapeutic targets.
abstract: In this review paper we aim at presenting the current knowledge on structural aspects of soluble lipid binding proteins (LBPs) found in parasitic helminths and to discuss their potential role as novel drug targets. Helminth parasites produce and secrete a great variety of LBPs that may participate in the acquisition of nutrients from their host, such as fatty acids and cholesterol. It is also postulated that LBPs might interfere in the regulation of the host׳s immune response by sequestering lipidic intermediates or delivering bioactive lipids. A detailed comprehension of the structure of these proteins, as well as their interactions with ligands and membranes, is important to understand host-parasite relationships that they may mediate. This information could also contribute to determining the role that these proteins may play in the biology of parasitic helminths and how they modulate the immune systems of their hosts, and also towards the development of new therapeutics and prevention of the diseases caused by these highly pathogenic parasites.
authors.affiliation: INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. Electronic address: gfranchini@conicet.gov.ar.
authors.forename: Gisela R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Franchini
authors.affiliation: INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: Jorge L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pórfido
authors.affiliation: INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibáñez Shimabukuro
authors.affiliation: INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: María F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Rey Burusco
authors.affiliation: INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: Julián A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bélgamo
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology & School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Brian O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology & School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Malcolm W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.affiliation: INIBIOLP, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
authors.forename: Betina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Córsico
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006376:Helminths / Q000469:parasitology / Q000502:physiology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular
chemical_list: D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins