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In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice
Published on: February 20, 2020
Leishmania amazonensis impairs DC function by inhibiting CD40 expression via A2B adenosine receptor activation
Amanda B Figueiredo1, Tiago D Serafim, Eduardo A Marques-da-Silva
1Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, ICEB/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
European Journal of Immunology
|February 8, 2012
Summary
Leishmania parasites impair dendritic cell (DC) immune responses by activating the A(2B) adenosine receptor. Blocking this receptor restores DC function, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for leishmaniasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for immune response modulation.
- Leishmania parasites interact with DCs, influencing immune outcomes.
- Extracellular ATP and adenosine signaling pathways impact inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Leishmania infection effects on DC function.
- To determine the role of purinergic signaling in Leishmania-DC interactions.
- To explore A(2B) adenosine receptor involvement in immune evasion.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from C57BL/6J mice were infected with Leishmania species.
- Expression of MHC class II, CD86, CD40, and ectonucleotidases was analyzed.
- The effects of A(2B) receptor antagonist MRS1754 and suramin on DC function were assessed.
- T-cell proliferation assays were performed to evaluate DC-mediated immune responses.
Main Results:
- Leishmania infection decreased MHC class II, CD86, and CD40 expression on DCs.
- Infected DCs showed increased ectonucleotidase activity.
- L. amazonensis-infected DCs exhibited reduced T-cell proliferation.
- Treatment with MRS1754 or suramin restored DC expression and T-cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania parasites, particularly L. amazonensis, inhibit DC function.
- A(2B) adenosine receptor activation is a mechanism used by L. amazonensis for immune evasion.
- Targeting the A(2B) receptor may restore DC function and enhance anti-Leishmania immunity.