Expression of Hsp60 and its cell location in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Author(s)

Fabrício Freitas Fernandes ; Nayla S. Pitangui ^[2] ; Gabriela Peron ^[3] ; Clarissa X. R. Valim ^[4] ; Vívian M. Mazucato ^[5] ; Aline F. Oliveira ; Thiago A. da Silva ^[7] ; Maria-Cristina Roque-Barreira ^[8] ; Ademilson Panunto-Castelo ^[9]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo; v. 62, 2020-05-11.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioides species cause paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic mycosis highly prevalent in Brazil. Therapy of PCM has some issues that make studies for new therapeutic and vaccine targets relevant, such as the P. brasiliensis 60-kDa-heat-shock protein (PbHsp60), an immunogenic antigen that induces protection in experimental mice infection. Here, we investigated the relative expression of mRNA for PbHsp60 in P. brasiliensis in the different morphotypes of P. brasiliensis and in morphological transition phases. In addition, antibodies to rPbHsp60 were produced and used to analyze the location of PbHsp60 in yeast and hyphae by electron microscopy. The analyses showed a substantial increase in the relative amounts of HSP60 mRNA in yeast when compared to mycelium and an intermediate expression in transitional forms. Regarding the cell location, immunoelectron microscopy analysis revealed that PbHsp60 is within the cell wall. These observations suggest that this protein may be involved in the maintenance of the cell wall integrity and the interaction with the host for colonization, infection and pathogenesis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/00629-4 - Characterization of enzymatic and lectin domains and the effects on innate immunity cell receptors
• Grantee: Fabrício Freitas Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/01390-8 - Evaluation of plasmid DNA vaccine containing the gene of 60kDa heat shock protein from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis as therapy against experimental paracoccidiodomycosis in mice
• Grantee: Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants