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| Author(s): |
Marcela Hernandez Torres
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) |
| Defense date: | 2015-12-04 |
| Examining board members: |
Joao Gustavo Pessini Amarante Mendes;
Silvia Beatriz Boscardin;
José Ronnie Carvalho de Vasconcelos
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| Advisor: | Joao Gustavo Pessini Amarante Mendes |
| Abstract | |
Bim protein is a potent pro-apoptotic molecule of Bcl-2 family that participates in the induction of intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Little is known about its role on the immune response against pathogens. Using a murine model of T. cruzi infection, we observed an increased parasitemia and mortality in Bim-/- mice. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from these mice at the peak of parasitemia displayed decreased NO production and microbicidal activity, probably due to a defect in the influx of the small peritoneal macrophage (SPM) subpopulation. Moreover, we also observed a deficiency in nitric oxide production, pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-6 secretion by splenocytes at this period of infection. Finally, Bim-/- mice has an impaired in vivo cytotoxic response against antigens from T. cruzi. Together, our results suggest an important role of Bim in the control of parasite replication and elimination in acute phase of T. cruzi infection. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 12/24737-0 - Role of BIM in the immune response to Trypanosoma cruzi during the experimental infection and as a result of vaccination with plasmid DNA and recombinant adenovirus |
| Grantee: | Marcela Hernández Torres |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |