Thymus-dependent control of host defense mechanisms against Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Cytokines, key players to turn on/off the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi innate defense mechanisms

The early host resistance against Trypanosoma cruzi infection depends on a complex interplay among cytokines, chemical mediators and cells. The major innate immune mechanism against intracellular parasites in phagocytes relies on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). The initial step for ROS production is the generation of superoxide anion catalyze...

Cutting edge: nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1-dependent responses account for murine resistance against Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

An effective innate immune recognition of the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is critical for host resistance against Chagas disease, a severe and chronic illness that affects millions of people in Latin America. In this study, we evaluated the participation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptor proteins in host response to T. cruzi infection and fo...

TLR-Dependent Induction of IFN- Mediates Host Defense against Trypanosoma cruzi

Rat models to investigate host macrophage defense against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of Chagas' disease, an infection with a great impact on public health in Latin America. One of the challenges to understand Chagas' disease lies on the complex host-parasite interaction. The understanding of this interaction requires the use of appropriate experimental models that mimic the human disease. Here, we have used two lineages of rats (Wistar and ...

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor contributes to host defense against acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is involved in the host defense against several pathogens. Here we used MIF-/- mice to determine the role of endogenous MIF in the regulation of the host immune response against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. MIF-/- mice displayed high levels of blood and tissue parasitemia, developed severe heart and skeletal muscle ...