Evaluation of B-1 lymphocytes in experimental leishmaniasis

• Grant number: 12/11837-6
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: August 01, 2012 - July 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal researcher: Patricia Xander Batista
• Grantee: Patricia Xander Batista
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leishmaniasis belongs to a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites from Leishmania genus. The diseases can be classified into four main clinical forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, diffuse cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The immune response to leishmaniasis is complex and the result of infection depends both on the genetic composition of different species of Leishmania and the host immunity. It is known that Th1 cells produce IFN-g which contributes to parasite elimination through different mechanisms, including macrophages activation. However, clinical and experimental evidences suggest that activation of B cells leads to exacerbation of visceral leishmaniasis and contributes to susceptibility of cutaneous leishmaniasis. B-1 cells are a subtype of B lymphocytes whose role in the physiology of the immune system as well as in the pathogenesis of various diseases is still poorly understood. These cells have ability to engulf pathogens, to migrate to inflammatory focus and to modulate immune response in several experimental models, such as paracoccidioidomycosis and murine melanoma. In addition, B-1 cells produce large amounts of IL-10 cytokine which plays a key role in immunosuppression in several diseases such as leishmaniasis. However, the importance of these cells in leishmaniasis has not been clarified. This project aims to investigate the role of B-1 lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of experimental leishmaniasis. It will also evaluate the participation of IL-10 produced by B-1 cells in experimental infection and their influence on other immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and NKT cells. This study may contribute to the better understanding of B-1 lymphocytes in the outcome of leishmaniasis thus contributing to the comprehension of parasite-host relationship in this neglected disease. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GONZAGA, WAGNER FRANCISCO KENNERLY MARCONDES; GERALDO, MARIANA MARQUES; VIVANCO, BRUNO CAMOLESE; POPI, ANA FLAVIA; MARIANO, MARIO; BATISTA, WAGNER LUIZ; XANDER, PATRICIA. EVALUATION OF EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH L. (L.) AMAZONENSIS IN X-LINKED IMMUNODEFICIENT MICE. Journal of Parasitology, v. 103, n. 6, p. 708-717, DEC 2017. Web of Science Citations: 8.

GERALDO, M. M.; COSTA, C. R.; BARBOSA, F. M. C.; VIVANCO, B. C.; GONZAGA, W. F. K. M.; NOVAES E BRITO, R. R.; POPI, A. F.; LOPES, J. D.; XANDER, P. In vivo and in vitro phagocytosis of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes by B-1 cells. PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, v. 38, n. 6, p. 365-376, JUN 2016. Web of Science Citations: 6.

KENNERLY MARCONDES GONZAGA, WAGNER FRANCISCO; XAVIER, VANESSA; VIVANCO, BRUNO CAMOLESE; LOPES, JOSE DANIEL; XANDER, PATRICIA. B-1 cells contribute to susceptibility in experimental infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi. Parasitology, v. 142, n. 12, p. 1506-1515, OCT 2015. Web of Science Citations: 10.