Evaluation of the immunomodulatory potential of the Schistosoma mansoni recombinants proteins HGPRT 1 and 2, in an in vitro model- a relation to Diabetes

• Grant number: 22/02117-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Helminthology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
• Grantee: Isadora Bonfante
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Studies in the area of inflammation and metabolism have linked the development of obesity and diabetes with the increase of pro-inflammatory markers, characterizing a low-grade chronic inflammation state, mainly in adipose and liver tissue. Another important aspect has shown that molecules that have immunomodulatory activity can present therapeutic activity, in the control of metabolic dysfunction associated with inflammation. Thus, molecules derived from the parasite Schistosoma mansoni have been suggested as regulators of processes that can modify the function of the immune cells, relating to adipocytes, decreasing inflammation and improving glucose tolerance. Proteins such as Sm29, also derived from S. mansoni, found in the adult worm's integument, were able to induce a Th1 cytokine profile in mice, in addition to providing protection against infection, showing that helminthic proteins can be an innovative tool for chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the therapeutic potential of these immunomodulatory proteins, in the metabolic control associated with chronic inflammation, is still unexplored. Thus, the objective of the research will be to analyze the action of the recombinant protein, derived from S. mansoni, Hypoxanthine-Guanine Phosphorosyl transferase 1 and 2 (HGPRT 1 and 2), in the typical inflammatory changes of several diseases such as diabetes and obesity.(AU)