Involvement of Plasmodium proteases in the pathophysiology of malaria

Analysis of the P. falciparum genome allowed the identification of approximately 90 proteases that are involved in numerous processes, including degradation of hemoglobin, erythrocyte invasion and egress. However, the role of these enzymes in the degradation of other plasma proteins of the host is underexplored and may be an element in understanding the interaction with the parasite hospedeiro. Trabalhos performed by the research group showed that Plasmodium peptidases are capable of hydrolyzing kininogen and plasminogen host. Continuing to study in this project will investigate in more detail the processing and internalization of these plasma proteins of the host by P. falciparum. Study also influence the kinin generated by P. falciparum and P. chabaudi in the pathophysiology of the host in vitro assays using cultured mammalian cells and in vivo in murine infection model. Furthermore, it is also examined the involvement of calmodulin P. falciparum in calcium homeostasis and modulation of the proteolytic activity of the parasite through the signaling pathways, as well as the generation of bioactive peptides flags in the host.

Project details

Basic Science

Feb 2016 — Jul 2018

Brazil