In vitro evaluation of maraviroc in CGRP-stimulated neurogenic inflammation in microglia cells

• Grant number: 24/16164-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - General Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Eduardo Nunes Ferreira
• Grantee: Barbara Barbosa dos Santos Costa
• Host Institution: Universidade Universus Veritas Guarulhos (Univeritas UNG). Guarulhos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/01835-0 - Evaluation of the maraviroc neuroprotective effects in migraine, AP.R

Abstract

Activation of the neuroimmune system can trigger a neuroinflammatory process, resulting in central and peripheral sensitization. Inflammatory responses in the nervous system can be triggered by neuronal activity, involving the release of neuropeptides such as CGRP. Neuroimmunological changes lead to the activation of microglia cells, inducing the release of cytokines and chemokines. ¿-chemokines bind to CCR5 receptors on cell surface, promoting chemotaxis of immune cells to the site of inflammation. CCR5 antagonism (maraviroc) may be able to interrupt a vicious cycle of neuroinflammation and reduce nociception. Thus, this project aims to study the participation of the CCR5 receptor and ¿-chemokines in inflammatory processes induced by CGRP. In vitro, glial cells (BV-2) will be treated with maraviroc and stimulated (CGRP). Cell viability will be evaluated by MTT, the production of nitric oxide and ¿-chemokines (MIP-1¿, MIP-1¿ and RANTES) will be quantified. Data will be statistically compared using Analysis of Variance. The significance level adopted will be 5% (¿=0.05). The results will contribute to understanding the involvement of CCR5 and its ligands in the neuroinflammatory, and exploring the potential of maraviroc for an innovative therapeutic approach.