Formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by parasite Trypanosoma cruzi: a study of standadization

• Grant number: 12/12614-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Karina Alves de Toledo
• Grantee: Daniel Sousa da Rocha
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Diseases triggered by protozoa consist of serious public health problems, mainly due to high relative mortality associated with them. The Chagas Disease, described for the first time by Carlos Chagas in 1909, which the aetiological agent is the Trypanosoma cruzi, can develop fatal events as inflammation of the myocardium, the meninges, and brain regions. Currently, control of replication of the parasite by drugs involves intense immune response including innate immune cells such as monocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. A new paradigm in innate immunity has recently been described which neutrophils release their DNA in response to infectious stimuli. The formation of these extracellular traps, or NETs, is an active and distinct process from apoptosis and necrosis. In addition, it involves proinflammatory and antimicrobial immune responses. The NETs quickly capture and kill many pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania sp. In this way, NETs contribute to the replication control and elimination of those microorganisms by the host. This project has a central aim to investigate the formation and release of NETs during parasite Trypanosoma cruzi infection and suggests some points about her efficiency on control of parasite load. We understand that this project could help in developing new strategies to control inflammatory responses during T.cruzi infection.(AU)