Evaluation of leptospira phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages from C3 deficient mice

• Grant number: 19/01435-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2019
• End date: March 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Lourdes Isaac
• Grantee: Tiago Francisco da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leptospirosis is an important zoonosis for public health, caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. The innate immune response against these bacteria depends to a large extent on phagocytosis and activation of the Complement System. This system is composed of several soluble proteins or present on the cell surface, participating in innate and adaptive immunity. C3 is the most abundant protein of this system and its importance is evidenced especially in immunodeficient patients, since they are very susceptible to repeated infections.In vitro studies performed in our laboratory have demonstrated that peritoneal macrophages of C3 deficient mice have a lower phagocytic index of L. interrogans and L. biflexa, when compared to macrophages from wild type mice from the same genetic background, suggesting the occurrence of some cellular impairment in the absence of this protein.Thus, this work aims to compare several cellular parameters important for phagocytosis including the expression of TLR2, TLR4, Mannose Receptor, FC³RI, FC³RII / III, CR1, CR2, CR3 and Scavenger receptors in the peritoneal macrophages. We also would like to investigate the activation of transcription nuclear factors such as NF-ºB. We will also evaluate the intracellular concentration of Ca++ ions and by the cytoskeleton morphology in peritoneal macrophages of C57Bl/6 wild type (B6.C3 +/+) and C3 deficiente (B6.C3 - -) mice. Finally, we will also quantify the bacterial load in the circulation and in certain organs during infection in these two groups of mice. (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)

SANTIESTEBAN-LORES, LAZARA ELENA; AMAMURA, THAIS AKEMI; DA SILVA, TIAGO FRANCISCO; MIDON, LEONARDO MOURA; CARNEIRO, MILENA CARVALHO; ISAAC, LOURDES; BAVIA, LORENA. A double edged-sword - The Complement System during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Life Sciences, v. 272, MAY 1 2021. (19/19800-3, 17/10208-9, 17/12924-3, 18/26574-7, 19/01435-7)

Academic Publications

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

SILVA, Tiago Francisco da. Evaluation of Leptospira Phagocytosis by Macrophages of C3 Deficient Mice in the Complement System. 2021. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.