The overexpression of an intracellular ABCA-like transporter alters phospholipid trafficking in Leishmania

In parasites, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters represent an important family of proteins related to drug resistance and other biological activities. Here we report the characterization of LtrABCA2, a new ABC transporter of the ABCA subfamily in the protozoan parasite Leishmania tropica, localized at the flagellar pocket region and in internal vesicles. The overexpression of this transporter reduced the accumulation of fluorescent glycerophospholipid analogs, increased the exocytic activity, and decreased infectivity of macrophage, but did not confer resistance to drugs. Together, these results suggest that this new ABC transporter plays a role in phospholipid trafficking, which may be modifying the vesicular trafficking and the infectivity of the parasite.