Study of the activation and modulation of the immune response against experimental sporotrichosis, from extracellular vesicles purified from dendritic cells

• Grant number: 21/03672-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: October 01, 2021 - September 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Karen Spadari Ferreira
• Grantee: Karen Spadari Ferreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is an emergent and subcutaneous mycosis that affects the skin, the lymphatic system, and other man and animals' organs. Fungal infection has a global distribution and is endemic in some Brazil regions, being an important public health problem. The disease is caused by a complex of at least four pathogenic species, including Sporothrix brasiliensis (S. brasiliensis). The immune response against these species is not yet fully elucidated. Still, extracellular vesicles (EVs) of the host can transport important components that could help control this important fungal infection by different cells important in the immune response against pathogenic fungi. Thus, this work aims to analyze the participation of EVs of dendritic cells previously primate with S. brasiliensis yeasts in the immune response against experimental sporotrichosis. For this, the dendritic cells will be cultured with yeasts of the fungus so that their EVs are purified and analyzed for their composition and their participation in the immune response's modulation. Thus, we will analyze the role of these EVs in the influence on the fungal load and the presentation of antigens of the fungus to CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes. Subsequently, and to analyze these EVs' ability to protect against experimental sporotrichosis, Balb / c mice will be inoculated with these EVs before subcutaneous infection with the fungus. The mean diameter and fungal load of the lesion will be analyzed after different times. Thus, we hope to clarify the host's EVs' main mechanisms and their ability to modulate the immune response in vitro and in vivo. (AU)