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Trypanosoma cruzi P21: a potential novel target for chagasic cardiomyopathy therapy

Thaise Lara Teixeira1, Fabrício Castro Machado1,2, Aline Alves da Silva1

  • 1Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, MG, Brasil.

Scientific Reports
|November 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Trypanosoma cruzi P21 protein (rP21) promotes inflammation by recruiting immune cells and increasing myeloperoxidase and IL-4. Targeting rP21 may offer a new strategy for treating chagasic cardiomyopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a leading cause of cardiomyopathy in Latin America.
  • Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) affects 10%-30% of infected individuals, with complex etiology.
  • Understanding T. cruzi's role in CCC pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of recombinant P21 (rP21), a secreted T. cruzi protein, on inflammatory processes.
  • To evaluate rP21's effect on immune cell recruitment, inflammatory markers, and angiogenesis.
  • To explore the potential of targeting rP21 for CCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a polyester sponge-induced inflammation model in vitro and in vivo.
  • Assessed immune cell infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and IL-4 production.
  • Quantified blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in response to rP21.

Main Results:

  • Recombinant P21 (rP21) demonstrated the ability to recruit immune cells.
  • rP21 induced increased myeloperoxidase and IL-4 production.
  • A decrease in blood vessel formation was observed in the presence of rP21 compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • T. cruzi P21 protein influences the inflammatory response in a model system.
  • rP21's pro-inflammatory effects suggest its involvement in Chagas disease progression.
  • P21 antagonists could be a potential therapeutic strategy for chagasic cardiomyopathy.

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