TABLE 2.

Virulence factors of E. histolytica

Virulence factor	Characteristics	Outcome	References
Cysteine proteinase	Degrade host proteins; provide attachment by degrading mucus and debris and stimulating host cell proteolytic cascades	These are fascinating possible targets for treatment of amebiasis due to their potential role in promoting invasion	108, 118, 125, 165
Amebapore	Stored in cytoplasmic granules, and released following target cell contact; forms ion channels in the membranes of both eukaryotic cells and phagocytosed bacteria	May be directly responsible for the cytolysis of host cells by the parasite	117, 118
Gal/GalNAc-binding lectin	Target cell adherence; contact-dependent cytotoxicity; complement resistance; capping and endocytosis; actin polymerization	This multifunctional virulence factor plays critical and important roles in the pathogenicity of parasite and is a particular candidate for use in diagnosis and vaccines	131, 168, 186