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In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice
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In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice

Published on: February 20, 2020

Platelet activating factor receptor-deficient mice present delayed interferon-gamma upregulation and high

Helton C Santiago1, Maíra Faria Braga Pires, Daniele G Souza

  • 1Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CP 486, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, CEP 30161-970 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Microbes and Infection
|August 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) signaling is crucial for controlling Leishmania amazonensis infections. PAFR-deficient mice show increased susceptibility and impaired immune responses to this parasitic infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Leishmania amazonensis is a protozoan parasite causing cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.
  • The platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) plays a role in inflammatory and immune responses.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions is key to developing effective treatments for leishmaniasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PAFR in the host's immune response to L. amazonensis infection.
  • To determine the impact of PAFR deficiency on disease progression and immune cell function.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of PAFR-deficient (PAFR(-/-)) and wild-type C57BL/6 mice with L. amazonensis.
  • Monitoring of lesion development and parasite burden.
  • Quantification of cytokine (IFN-gamma, Ccl5) and enzyme (nitric oxide synthase-2, arginase-1) mRNA expression.
  • Analysis of antibody production.

Main Results:

  • PAFR(-/-) mice exhibited increased susceptibility to L. amazonensis, characterized by larger lesions and higher parasite loads.
  • Delayed interferon-gamma production and reduced Ccl5 levels were observed in PAFR(-/-) mice.
  • Impaired nitric oxide synthase-2 mRNA expression and elevated arginase-1 mRNA levels were found in deficient mice.
  • PAFR(-/-) mice produced higher levels of antibodies against L. amazonensis.

Conclusions:

  • PAFR signaling is essential for mounting an effective immune response against L. amazonensis.
  • PAFR deficiency leads to a less controlled infection due to altered immune cell function and cytokine profiles.
  • Targeting PAFR may represent a therapeutic strategy for leishmaniasis.

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