Extracellular vesicles of Leishmania amazonensis: proteomic characterization and protective evaluation in murine models

• Grant number: 24/21260-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Patricia Xander Batista
• Grantee: Patricia Xander Batista
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Wagner Luiz Batista

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles released by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells whose primary function is cell-to-cell communication. EVs carry molecules from the cell of origin, such as antigens, virulence factors, lipids, metabolites, RNA, and DNA. EVs released by Leishmania play an important role in modulating the host immune response. Leishmania EVs can favor infection or induce a protective response, depending on the species and specific characteristics of the parasite. Our group has been studying EVs released by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis with two distinct virulence profiles. These EVs differently stimulated the immune response in an in vivo model and activated murine macrophages differently. In this new proposal, we intend to characterize both the proteomic profile of L. amazonensis with distinct virulence profiles and the EVs released by these parasites. The proteomics analysis can contribute to find markers of L. amazonensis EVs. In addition, our group will study the possible application of these EVs for immunization and treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis using murine models. Molecular biology tools, such as recombinant proteins and mutant parasites, can help us to better understand the importance of virulence factors identified. Thus, these studies can contribute with a deepen investigation on the parasite virulence's influence on EV content. The biotechnological potential of these particles and/or their components in the induction of a protective immune response is also a promising approach that be evaluated in this proposal. (AU)