Extracellular Vesicles in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: Immunomodulatory Effects and Future Perspectives as Potential Control Tools against Chagas Disease

Author(s)

Cortes-Serra, Nuria ; Gualdron-Lopez, Melisa ; Pinazo, Maria-Jesus ; Torrecilhas, Ana Claudia ; Fernandez-Becerra, Carmen

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH; v. 2022, p. 11-pg., 2022-08-17.

Abstract

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoa parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease and a major public health problem affecting more than 6 million people worldwide. Many challenges remain in the quest to control Chagas disease: the diagnosis presents several limitations and the two available treatments cause several side effects, presenting limited efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease. In addition, there are no preventive vaccines or biomarkers of therapeutic response or disease outcome. Trypomastigote form and T. cruzi-infected cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are involved in cell-to-cell communication and can modulate the host immune response. Importantly, EVs have been described as promising tools for the development of new therapeutic strategies, such as vaccines, and for the discovery of new biomarkers. Here, we review and discuss the role of EVs secreted during T. cruzi infection and their immunomodulatory properties. Finally, we briefly describe their potential for biomarker discovery and future perspectives as vaccine development tools for Chagas Disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07870-4 - Mechanisms of trypanosomatid adaptation to hosts through the control of transcription, protein synthesis and secretion of extracellular vesicles
• Grantee: Ana Claudia Trocoli Torrecilhas
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/15909-0 - Studying mechanisms of extracellular vesicle secretion by protozoan parasites
• Grantee: Sergio Schenkman
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants