Oligopeptidase B-dependent signaling mediates host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi

Mammalian cell invasion by the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is mediated by recruitment and fusion of host cell lysosomes, an unusual process that has been proposed to be dependent on the ability of parasites to trigger intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) transients in host cells. Previous work implicated the T.cruzi serine hydrolase oligopeptidase B in the generation of Ca 2+ ‐signaling activity in parasite extracts. Here we show that deletion of the gene encoding oligopeptidase B results in a marked defect in host cell invasion and in the establishment of infections in mice. The invasion defect is associated with the inability of oligopeptidase B null mutant trypomastigotes to mobilize Ca 2+ from thapsigargin‐sensitive stores in mammalian cells. Exogenous recombinant oligopeptidase B reconstitutes the oligopeptidase B‐dependent Ca 2+ signaling activity in null mutant parasite extracts, demonstrating that this enzyme is responsible for the generation of a signaling agonist for mammalian cells.