Back to the future in Chagas disease: from animal models to patient cohort studies, progress in immunopathogenesis research

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Julio Scharfstein¹  Juliana De Assis Silva Gomes²  Rodrigo Correa-oliveira² 

[1] ,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Rio de Janeiro RJ ,Brasil

关键词: cardiomyopathy;    Chagas disease;    T cells;    Trypanosoma cruzi;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0074-02762009000900025

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Despite the wealth of information generated by trans-disciplinary research in Chagas disease, knowledge about its multifaceted pathogenesis is still fragmented. Here we review the body of experimental studies in animal models supporting the concept that persistent infection by Trypanosoma cruzi is crucial for the development of chronic myocarditis. Complementing this review, we will make an effort to reconcile seemingly contradictory results concerning the immune profiles of chronic patients from Argentina and Brazil. Finally, we will review the results of molecular studies suggesting that parasite-induced inflammation and tissue damage is, at least in part, mediated by the activities of trans-sialidase, mucin-linked lipid anchors (TLR2 ligand) and cruzipain (a kinin-releasing cysteine protease). One hundred years after the discovery of Chagas disease, it is reassuring that basic and clinical research tends to converge, raising new perspectives for the treatment of chronic Chagas disease.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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