Immunological evaluation of recombinant GP70 protein and immune markers in protection against Sporothrix brasiliensis in an experimental model

• Grant number: 24/17976-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Sandro Rogerio de Almeida
• Grantee: José Wandilson Barboza Duarte Júnior
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/11944-9 - Ssporotrichosis and Chromoblastomycosis: development of vaccines based on immunogenic peptides and determination of immunological markers of protection, AP.TEM

Abstract

The proposed postdoctoral project aims to investigate the immune response to sporotrichosis, a deep mycosis with increasing incidence and clinical relevance, particularly in Brazil. The focus of the study is the development and immunological evaluation of the recombinant GP70 protein, a vaccine candidate derived from the S. brasiliensis strain. The research will use C57BL/6J mice, including wild type, IFN-¿ knockout, and T cell knockout groups, to assess the immunological efficacy of the protein and identify immune markers involved in protection against infection. The project includes the analysis of clinical signs, fungal load, histopathology in immunized animals, antibody analysis, and characterization of cell populations such as CD4+, CD8+, Th1, Th17, Th22, and Treg cells. Investigating the specific role of IFN-¿ and T cells in the immune response to S. brasiliensis will be essential for understanding how these components of the immune response modulate host protection. Additionally, gene expression mapping of immune markers will be conducted through transcriptomic analyses. The results of this study are expected to significantly contribute to understanding the host defense mechanisms against sporotrichosis and pave the way for the development of more effective vaccines, benefiting both human and veterinary health.