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In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 27, 2010
Galectin-3 plays a protective role in Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis infection
Rafael M Oliveira1, Thaise L Teixeira1,2, Cassiano C Rodrigues1
1Laboratório de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38400-902, Brazil.
Abstract:
Leishmania (L.) amazonensis is one of the species responsible for the development of cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. After entering the vertebrate host, L. (L.) amazonensis invades mainly neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells. Studies have shown that gal-3 acts as a pattern recognition receptor. However, the role of this protein in the context of L. (L.) amazonensis infection remains unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of gal-3 expression on experimental infection by L. (L.) amazonensis. Our data showed that gal-3 plays a role in controlling parasite invasion, replication and the formation of endocytic vesicles. Moreover, mice with gal-3 deficiency showed an exacerbated inflammatory response. Taken together, our data shed light to a critical role of gal-3 in the host response to infection by L. (L.) amazonensis.
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