Evaluation of the vaccine potential of nanoparticles loaded with components of merozoites and schizonts in the murine model of infection with Plasmodium.

Author(s)

Wesley Luzetti Fotoran

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2012-12-07

Examining board members

Gerhard Wunderlich; Silvia Beatriz Boscardin; Daniela Santoro Rosa

• Advisor: Gerhard Wunderlich

Abstract

Malaria is a tropical disease caused by species of the protozoan Plasmodium and around one million people die of the disease each year, while 3 billion individuals live at risk to acquire infection with one of the five species known to infect humans. Due to the parasite\'s looming resistance against most of the antimalarial compounds used in therapy, the WHO preconizes the development of effective vaccine as an important goal. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential of a new method of vaccine formulation against malaria. Initially tested in the rodent model, we loaded liposomal nanostructures with merozoite-derived GPI-anchored proteins. We then monitored parameters such as survival and morbidity after challenge and measured the effect against parasite derived toxines. We observed significant effects in terms of control of parasitemy and in one model complete survival of mice. We also detected the generation of antiGPI antibodies which showed to be functional in decreasing TNF-<font face=\"Symbol\">a production in an in vitro model, however, we detected that this function was dependent on the genetic background of the antibody producing immunized animal. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/03073-3 - Evaluation of the vaccine potential of nanoparticles loaded with components of merozoites and schizonts in the murine model of infection with Plasmodium berghei
• Grantee: Wesley Luzetti Fotoran
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master