The role of Toll like receptors (TLRs) in the pregnancy-associated malaria immunopathogenesis

• Grant number: 09/11566-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2010
• End date: December 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Cláudio Romero Farias Marinho
• Grantee: Leandro Gustavo da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Every year at least 50 millions pregnant women are exposed to malaria infection. This high incidence reflects in the high life threatening conditions of the mother and the developing fetus. Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is characterized by the parasite sequestration in the maternal placenta with consequent maternal anemia, uterine growth retardation and decreased of the fetal viability. The high number of risk factors involved in PAM together with the inherent difficulties to study this disease in humans, are the main reasons why the molecular bases of this pathologic dysfunction are still poorly understood. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are the major path for which the innate immune system recognizes and rapidly responds to infectious agents. We hypothesized that TLRs may be important mediators in the pathogenesis of PAM. The TLRs can be directly implicated in the placental inflammation. Thus, this project aims to study the involvement of TLR 2, 4, 9 and the adapter molecule MyD88 in the PAM pathogenesis using mouse models of infection. The knowledge of the innate immune response aspects will bring an important contribution to the understanding of placental malaria. Moreover, makes it possible to address the development of new methodology studies, for PAM treatment.

Academic Publications

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

SILVA, Leandro Gustavo da. The role of Toll like receptors (TLRs) in the immunopathogenesis of pregnancy associated malaria.. 2011. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.