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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Investigating the Phagocytosis of Leishmania using Confocal Microscopy
Published on: July 29, 2021
Surface functionalization of polymeric nanospheres modulates macrophage activation: relevance in leishmaniasis
Daniela Barros1, Sofia A Costa Lima, Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
1IBMC-INEB, Infection & Immunology Unit - Parasite Disease Group, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.
Aim:
To characterize the production and application of carbohydrate functionalized poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres as immune-modulatory mediators in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL).
Materials & Methods:
PLGA nanospheres were prepared by nanoprecipitation and surface functionalized with mannose, mannan or mannosamine moieties using a carbodiimide reaction. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy revealed the interaction of these nanospheres with macrophages.
Results:
The nanocarriers were taken up by murine primary macrophages using clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Co-culture of macrophages with carbohydrate-functionalized nanospheres led to their activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. One dose of amphotericin B-loaded on mannan-functionalized nanospheres resulted in an efficacy VL therapy.
Conclusion:
This approach provides a promising therapy for VL and a new therapeutic nanoplatform for obligate intracellular pathogens.
