The Characterization of the Role of Dendritic Cells in the Recrudescence Of Malaria in Pregnancy.

Author(s)

Oscar Javier Murillo Gomez

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2018-10-19

Examining board members

Claudio Romero Farias Marinho; Daniel Youssef Bargieri; Alexandre de Castro Keller; Maria Regina D'Imperio Lima

• Advisor: Claudio Romero Farias Marinho

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most important public health problems today. It is present in more than 91 countries and about 40% of the world population lives in regions where the risk of infection is potentially high. Annually, it is estimated that the disease reaches more than 28 million pregnant women contributing to high rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Recent data indicate that in endemic areas only 43% of pregnant women are treated for this disease. Most treatments performed during pregnancy have a sub-curative result, increasing the risk of infection. In these cases, it is not known where the parasite remains hidden, nor which cell is responsible for protecting it from the action of the immune system. Although the main role of dendritic cells (DCs) is the presentation of antigens and elimination of microorganisms, it has already been shown in in vitro tests that they have the ability to keep the plasmodium inside and generate a new infection. On the other hand, it is known that the hormonal changes resulting from gestation have the capability to modulate the immune system, affecting the phagocytosis capacity and the function of the DCs. So that they are able to generate favorable conditions for the survival and maintenance of the plasmodium. Using an experimental murine model, we identified the accumulation of erythrocytes parasitized by P. berghei in the spleen and lungs of chronic BALB/c mice. We have also demonstrated that DCs are involved in the maintenance of parasites and are also responsible for the resurgence of infection during pregnancy. Finally, we identified that gestation significantly reduces the maturation and phagocytosis capacity of DCs and macrophages, and this phenomenon is responsible for the high levels of parasitemia observed in this period. Therefore, our results show the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in regulating the immune response in malaria and their direct involvement in the onset of infection during pregnancy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/00981-1 - Characterization of the role of dendritic cells in the recrudescence of malaria in pregnancy
• Grantee: Oscar Javier Murillo Gómez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)