Evaluation of immunogenic activity of Leptospira interrogans proteins LIC_10499 and LIC_12339 in C3H mouse model

• Grant number: 25/06311-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: September 08, 2025
• End date: May 07, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lucia Tabet Oller do Nascimento
• Grantee: Igor Rodolpho Matheus Silva
• Supervisor: Maria Gomes-Solecki
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/08985-5 - Assessment of the role of two proteins of Leptospira interrogans in the pathogenesis and in the immunoprotective activity in animal model, BP.DD

Abstract

Pathogenic Leptospira species are the causative agents of leptospirosis, a global zoonosis transmitted through direct or indirect contact with soil or water contaminated by the urine of chronically infected mammals. In urban areas, Rattus norvegicus serves as a primary reservoir, excreting live leptospires in urine. Leptospirosis is linked to occupational exposure (e.g., animal handlers, sewage workers) and recreational water activities, with symptoms ranging from mild fever and muscle pain to severe conditions like Weil's syndrome and pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome, both associated with high mortality rates. Clinical underdiagnosis is common due to the broad symptom spectrum. Current veterinary vaccines, composed of inactivated bacteria or membrane preparations, elicit antibodies against leptospiral LPS but fail to provide long-term or cross-serovar protection, requiring frequent administration. Human vaccines available in some countries follow similar methodologies but are associated with side effects like fever and injection site pain. Advances in genome sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled reverse vaccinology, identifying potential antigens from genomic data. (AU)