The Fimbrin TvFim1, an immunogenic protein involved in male trichomoniasis

An active immunoproteome of Trichomonas vaginalis was obtained by 2D-Western blotting (2D-WB). Subsequent proteoform identification by mass spectrometry (MS) showed differential expression and specific immunoreactions of multiple proteins mediated by the presence of Zn2+. A total of 25 proteoforms were immunologically reactive, generally under Zn2+ conditions, and MS analysis revealed that the fimbrin (plastin) of T. vaginalis (TvFim1) was recognized by the sera of male patients with trichomoniasis but not by the sera of infected female patients. These findings suggest that the protein is immunogenic during active male trichomoniasis and that cytoskeletal proteins, including fimbrins, may also act as virulence factors in addition to their role in parasite morphogenesis. [Display omitted] •Active immunoproteome of Trichomonas vaginalis obtained by 2D-Western blot (2D-WB) and MS identification.•Zn2+ presence leads to specific immunoreaction and differential expression of multiple proteins.•TvFim1, a fimbrin (plastin) of T. vaginalis, recognized by male sera in trichomoniasis.•TvFim1 is immunogenic during active male trichomoniasis, indicating cytoskeletal proteins' involvement as possible virulence factors.•Fimbrins have roles in parasite morphogenesis and are immunogenic during active infection.