Investigating the Inflammatory and Coagulant Mechanisms of Bothrops moojeni Venom on Platelet Interactions with Innate Immune Cells

• Grant number: 24/14619-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: February 28, 2025
• End date: October 27, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Lúcia Helena Faccioli
• Grantee: Nathalia Santos Carvalho
• Supervisor: Timothy Warner
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Queen Mary University of London, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/12337-6 - Evaluation of the innate immune response induced by Bothrops moojeni crude venom or its protein and lipid fractions., BP.PD

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation is a serious global public health issue, with 1.8 to 2.7 million cases annually, leading to 81,000 to 130,000 deaths and many permanent disabilities. In Brazil, Bothrops snakes are responsible for most of the incidents, with 29,543 reported cases in 2022. Bothrops moojeni venom can cause thrombocytopenia and alter platelet activity, leading to complications such as local and systemic bleeding and increased mortality. This project aims to investigate the inflammatory and coagulant mechanisms of the venom, focusing on platelet interactions with innate immune cells. Specifically, we will use a miniaturized 96-well plate aggregometry assay to measure platelet aggregation and depletion, assess platelet-leukocyte complex formation, and investigate the effects of inhibiting PAD4 and P2Y12 receptors on venom-induced thromboinflammation. We will also evaluate how interference with extracellular vesicle trafficking affects platelet-leukocyte complexes and thromboinflammation. Collaboration with Prof. Dr. Tim Warner's group will enable us to apply advanced methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of platelet activation and interactions with immune cells, aiming to improve the management of snakebite envenomations.