Cellular exhaustion induced in malaria and its effect on the immune response to other parasitic diseases

Cellular exhaustion is an immune system strategy to limit an exacerbated response and prevent tissue injury. This mechanism is based on the expression of inhibitory molecules and decreased cytokine production by activated T cells, leading to a state of immunosuppression that favors the persistence of the pathogen. First described in chronic viral infections, cell exhaustion has also been reported in diseases in which acute exposure to the agent is capable of inducing intense inflammation, such as malaria. The expression of these inhibitory molecules in murine models infected with Plasmodium was associated with a lower responsiveness of T lymphocytes, in addition to reduced control of the infection. Associated with this exhaustion, there is the expression of apoptotic markers, which increase the hyporesponsiveness of the immune system. However, there are still few studies that relate the ability of Plasmodium infection to exhaust the immune response and impair the defense against other infections. It is believed that the immune response directed at the Plasmodium parasite can exhaust the immune system, and even after treatment, prevent the establishment of an efficient response to a subsequent infection. Ethical aspects: The project was submitted and approved by the Committee on Ethics in the Use of Animals?CEUA/IOC (L-030/2017). All procedures will be carried out in line with ethical and animal welfare principles.

Project details

Basic Science

Sep 2019

Brazil