CHROMOBLASTOMYCOSIS: Development of vaccines based on immunogenic peptides

• Grant number: 25/00067-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Sandro Rogerio de Almeida
• Grantee: Rebeca Jacinto Bonfim
• 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

Chromoblastomycosis is one of the main implantation mycoses, now recognized as a neglected tropical fungal disease. Its laboratory diagnosis is based mainly on direct microscopy, histopathology and identification of the fungus by culture. Subcutaneous or implantation mycoses, such as chromoblastomycosis, result from the inoculation of the pathogenic fungus during trauma, usually cuts by plants or manipulation of the soil. They manifest as a suppurating lesion on the skin or subcutaneous tissue, a product of the spread of the fungus by contiguity or via the lymphatic route. Treatment is difficult, with few therapeutic options and the disease is often recurrent. Chromoblastomycosis is the second most prevalent implantation mycosis in the world. This disease is caused by melanized fungi (dark pigmentation) mainly Fonsecaea pedrosoi. It is a chronic disease that mostly affects low-income individuals, while its treatment is long, with major side effects and high cost, since there are few antifungals available on the market capable of controlling and eliminating the fungus that causes this disease. Thus, a large number of patients end up interrupting treatment, leading to a high rate of disease recurrence. Therefore, studies aimed at the development of new drugs or techniques to control chromoblastomycosis are of paramount importance. Therefore, we intend to evaluate a potential vaccine using recombinant phage as delivery of the Hp11696 peptide from F. pedrosoi, previously identified in our laboratory, as a potential antigenic target for therapeutic strategies in chromoblastomycosis. Thus, advances are expected in the formulation of a vaccine strategy against chromoblastomycosis, in addition to consolidating our knowledge about the immunomodulation of this mycosis of public health importance in our country. (AU)