CYSTEINE PROTEINASE TVCP4 AS THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSIS TARGET OF VIRULENCE IN INFECTION BY TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS.

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel function of the TvCP4 referring to its main participation in the hemolysis of the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, where the expression thereof is also defined during the infection with positive dependence of iron as well as the location of the same in the surface of the parasite, cytoplasmic vesicles, lysosomes, and the products of excretion/secretion, thereof where protein TvCP4 is associated to said secretions as a factor of virulence of this parasite. Described is the direct possibility of inhibiting or preventing the colonization of the T. vaginalis in the vaginal mucosa by the inhibition of the protein TvCP4 through specific anti-trichomonal non-toxic chemotherapeutic agents against said protein, for example by a-TvCP4r specific antibodies which may be topically or systemically administered.