The 50kDa metalloproteinase TvMP50 is a zinc-mediated Trichomonas vaginalis virulence factor

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that can adapt to the trichomonicidal Zn²⁺ concentrations of the male urogenital tract microenvironment. This adaptation is mediated by molecular mechanisms, including proteinase expression, that are regulated by cations such as Zn²⁺. Herein, we characterized the previously identified 50kDa metalloproteinase aminopeptidase P (M24 family) member TvMP50 as a new Zn²⁺-mediated parasite virulence factor. Quantitative RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence assays corroborated the positive regulation of both mp50 gene expression and native TvMP50 protein overexpression in the cytoplasm and secretion products of parasites grown in the presence of Zn²⁺. Furthermore, this active metalloproteinase was characterized as a new virulence factor by assaying cytotoxicity toward prostatic DU145 cell monolayers as well as the inhibition of parasite and secreted soluble protein proteolytic activity in the 50kDa proteolytic region by the specific metalloproteinase inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline and the chelating agents EDTA and EGTA. Parasite and secreted soluble protein cytotoxicity toward DU145 cells were reduced by treatment with an α-rTvMP50 polyclonal antibody. Our results show that the metalloproteinase TvMP50 is a new virulence factor modulated by Zn²⁺, which is present during male trichomoniasis, possibly explaining T. vaginalis survival even within the adverse conditions of the male urogenital microenvironment.