Dendritic Cells and Their Multiple Roles during Malaria Infection

Author(s)

Amorim, Kelly N. S. ; Chagas, Daniele C. G. ; Sulczewski, Fernando B. ; Boscardin, Silvia B.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH; v. 2016, p. 11-pg., 2016-01-01.

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses, efficiently presenting antigens to T cells. This ability relies on the presence of numerous surface and intracellular receptors capable of sensing microbial components as well as inflammation and on a very efficient machinery for antigen presentation. In this way, DCs sense the presence of a myriad of pathogens, including Plasmodium spp., the causative agent of malaria. Despite many efforts to control this infection, malaria is still responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. Different groups have shown that DCs act during Plasmodium infection, and data suggest that the phenotypically distinct DCs subsets are key factors in the regulation of immunity during infection. In this review, we will discuss the importance of DCs for the induction of immunity against the different stages of Plasmodium, the outcomes of DCs activation, and also what is currently known about Plasmodium components that trigger such activation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/08648-9 - Recombinant antigen targeting to dendritic cells in vivo: a new strategy for the development of vaccines
• Grantee: Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/11442-4 - Study of protective mechanisms induced by vaccination of mice with fusion antibodies that target the dengue virus proteins to dendritic cells
• Grantee: Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants