Leishmania Proteomics: An in Silico Perspective

We report on the state of the art of scientific literature about proteins recognized as potential targets for the development of Leishmania treatments through the search of biologically active chemical species, either from experimental in vitro, in vivo, or in silico sources. We classify the gathered information, in several ways: vector taxonomy and geographical distribution, parasite taxonomic and geographical distribution and enzymatic function (oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, ligases and cytokines). Our aim is to provide a much needed reference layout for research efforts aimed to understand the underpinning physical interactions in ligand-protein activation/inactivation processes. In the specific case of Leishmania, we focus on enzymes known to be part of the biochemical molecular processes initiated following a Leishmania infectious episode.