Study of extracellular vesicles from J774 macrophages after in vitro interaction with Trichophyton rubrum.

• Grant number: 24/10026-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Karen Spadari Ferreira
• Grantee: Nathália Ywai Koda
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dermatophytosis are fungal infections that affect humans and animals, reaching a large part of the community. One of its main etiological agents is Trichophyton rubrum, which presents different virulence factors and interacts with the cells of the host's immune system, where macrophages are one of the most important agents to fight the infection. In this context, it is essential to elucidate the role of the extracellular vesicles (EVs) of these cells, as well as their interaction with the pathogen and with itraconazole, one of the main antifungal drugs. Since they are elements that transport important components and act in cell communication, the vesicles mentioned have effects related to immune modulation. The purpose of this project is to analyze the role of EVs purified from J774 macrophages after interaction with fungi that cause dermatophytes. With this, it is expected to satisfactorily clarify the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity, as well as to investigate their aspects, including their treatment forms.