Immunofunctional characterization of a lymphocyte inhibitor in Aedes aegypti saliva

• Grant number: 12/11816-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2012
• End date: July 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Anderson de Sá Nunes
• Grantee: Bruna Bizzarro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 09/09892-6 - Functional immunome of Aedes aegypti saliva, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 13/20524-4 - Characterization of a lymphocyte inhibitor from Aedes aegypti saliva, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

T lymphocytes play a fundamental role in the adaptive immune response against pathogens, by destroying infected cells, secreting cytokines that help the activation of other cells and regulating the activity of these cells. However, they also play as central role in diseases such as autoimmunity, hypersensitivity reactions, transplant rejection and lymphomas. Immunosuppressive therapies are the main alternative to the resolution or control of such diseases, because they act on the immune system modulating, inhibiting or destroying T lymphocytes. In this context, in our Master Degree's dissertation we observed a modulatory activity present in the saliva of the mosquito Aedes aegypti on T lymphocytes. Fractionation of salivary gland extract (SGE) of this vector by HPLC showed one dominant active fraction with apparent molecular mass of >400 kDa. The analysis of the fractions by mass spectrometry revealed a single candidate in which the amount detected correlated with the observed activity. This project aims to carry out an immunofuncional characterization of this molecule. Thus, we are applying for one regular PhD fellowship linked to an international FAPESP fellowship (BEPE), to spend a year in a renowned group of the National Institutes of Health with extensive experience in biochemistry and bioinformatics analyzes. Our objective is to generate new knowledge about the pharmacological activities of the A. aegypti salivary cocktail and its role in transmission of pathogens. It should also contribute to the generation of new biochemical and pharmacological tools, as well as the development of molecules with therapeutic potential. (AU)

Academic Publications

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

BIZZARRO, Bruna. Immunofunctional characterization of a lymphocyte inhibitor from Aedes aegypti saliva.. 2016. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.