Strategies used by Leptospira spirochetes to evade the host complement system

Author(s)

Barbosa, Angela Silva ; Isaac, Lourdes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FEBS Letters; v. 594, n. 16, p. 12-pg., 2020-03-24.

Abstract

Leptospires are highly invasive spirochetes equipped with efficient strategies for dissemination in the host. TheLeptospiragenus currently comprises 64 species divided into two major clades: the saprophytes composed of nonpathogenic, free-living organisms, and the pathogens encompassing all the species that cause mild or severe infections in humans and animals. While saprophytes are highly susceptible to the lytic action of the complement system, pathogenic (virulent) strains have evolved virulence strategies that allow efficient colonization of a variety of hosts and target organs, including mechanisms to circumvent hosts' innate and acquired immune responses. PathogenicLeptospiraavoid complement-mediated killing by recruiting host complement regulatory proteins and by targeting complement proteins using own and host-expressed proteases. This review outlines the role of complement in eradicating saprophyticLeptospiraand the stratagems adopted by pathogenicLeptospirato maneuver the host complement system for their benefit. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/12896-2 - ROLE OF PROTEASES SECRETED BY LEPTOSPIRA IN THE DEGRADATION AND INACTIVATION OF HOST MOLECULES
• Grantee: Angela Silva Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/12924-3 - Etiopathogenesis of Leptospirosis: contribution of the complement system for the control of infection in vivo and in vitro and inflammatory response: identification of gene polymorphisms of the complement system in Leptospirosis patients
• Grantee: Lourdes Isaac
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants