Optimizing ex-vivo erythrocyte reinvasion assays for Plasmodium vivax

• Grant number: 18/18931-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: March 19, 2019
• End date: March 29, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Urbano Ferreira
• Grantee: Marcelo Urbano Ferreira
• Visiting researcher: Manoj Theodore Duraisingh
• Visiting researcher institution: Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/18740-9 - Scientific bases for residual malaria elimination in the Brazilian Amazon, AP.TEM

Abstract

During his 2-week visit to Brazil, it is expected that Prof. Duraisingh will provide training in the following activities: 1. Reticulocyte enrichment from erythrocyte preparations, using gradient centrifugation techniques; 2. Optimization of freezing/thawing conditions for field-collected P. vivax samples; 3. Optimization of ex-vivo assays for schizont maturation and subsequent invasion of red blood cells by merozoites; 4. Standardization of flow cytometry methods for reading reinvasion assay outputs. Moreover, Professor Duraisingh will also participate in the following department-level activities: 5. Seminar open to faculty and students of the Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da USP, to present results from his recent research into mechanisms of malaria parasite invasion of red blood cells. 6. Discussion of research projects with students and faculty members. (AU)