The importance of iron metabolism in the differentiation, stability, function and pathogenicity of Th17 lymphocytes and its implication in autoimmunity

• Grant number: 22/04449-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: José Carlos Farias Alves Filho
• Grantee: Eduardo Pereira Duarte da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/08216-2 - CRID - Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Th17 lymphocytes are essential cells for the homeostasis of the organism. However, research has shown that due to the action of cytokines and other inducing factors, such cells can acquire a more pathogenic phenotype, which is directly related to the genesis of several autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. It is known that after activation of CD4 T lymphocytes, they undergo metabolic remodeling. In addition, research has shown that iron, the most abundant chemical element on Earth, plays a key role in the metabolism of innate and adaptive immunity cells. Interestingly, dysfunction of iron metabolism has been implicated in inflammatory, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of iron metabolism during the differentiation, stability and pathogenicity of Th17 lymphocytes is still not well understood. Therefore, the present project aims to investigate the importance of iron metabolism in the differentiation, stability, function and pathogenicity of Th17 lymphocytes, as well as to establish its implication in autoimmunity.

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)

DUARTE-SILVA, EDUARDO; MEUTH, SVEN G.; PEIXOTO, CHRISTINA ALVES. The role of iron metabolism in the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY, v. 14, p. 10-pg., 2023-03-17. (22/04449-1)