The role of regulatory T cells in human leprosy

• Grant number: 09/10247-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2009
• End date: September 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Campanelli
• Grantee: Hayana Ramos Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The immune system is able to eliminate infectious process. However, some pathogens, as Leishmania major, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV e Mycobacterium leprae, might elicit latent infections and chronic disease. Significant importance has been given to a distinct subset of T CD4+CD25+ cells, also termed as T regulatory cells (Tregs), which potently abrogate immune response to self or tumor antigens. Treg cells inhibit auto immune disease progress and control inflammatory response against bacteria, virus, parasite and yeasts allowing the persistence of infectious focus. So far, there is not any data about the influence of T regulatory cells in the different types of Hansen disease. Therefore, the aim of this project is to elucidate a possible involvement of T regulatory cells in the control of immune response against M. leprae infection. Briefly, the objectives of this project are:1.To evaluate the presence of T regulatory cells in biopsies and peripheral blood from Hansen disease patients, in both tuberculoid and lepromatous clinical presentation. 2.To characterize T regulatory cells for cytokine production and surface receptors expressed on T cells from biopsies of Hansen disease patients.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

LIMA, Hayana Ramos. Análise do envolvimento de células T reguladoras na hanseníase. 2012. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB) Bauru.