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Abstract

In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the eukaryotic protozoan
parasite Leishmania tarentolae, with a main focus on its potential for biotechnological applications.
We will also discuss the genus, subgenus, and species-level classification of this
parasite, its life cycle and geographical distribution, and similarities and differences to
human-pathogenic species, as these aspects are relevant for the evaluation of biosafety
aspects of L. tarentolae as host for recombinant DNA/protein applications. Studies indicate
that strain LEM-125 but not strain TARII/UC of L. tarentolae might also be capable of infecting
mammals, at least transiently. This could raise the question of whether the current biosafety
level of this strain should be reevaluated. In addition, we will summarize the current
state of biotechnological research involving L. tarentolae and explain why this eukaryotic
parasite is an advantageous and promising human recombinant protein expression host.
This summary includes overall biotechnological applications, insights into its protein expression
machinery (especially on glycoprotein and antibody fragment expression), available
expression vectors, cell culture conditions, and its potential as an immunotherapy agent for
human leishmaniasis treatment. Furthermore, we will highlight useful online tools and,
finally, discuss possible future applications such as the humanization of the glycosylation
profile of L. tarentolae or the expression of mammalian recombinant proteins in amastigotelike
cells of this species or in amastigotes of avirulent human-pathogenic Leishmania
species.