Back to the future in Chagas disease: from animal models to patient cohort studies, progress in immunopathogenesis research
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
;
104(supl.1): 187-198, July 2009.
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-520879
ABSTRACT
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.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Trypanosoma cruzi
/
Chagas Disease
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Observational study
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
Journal subject:
Tropical Medicine
/
Parasitology
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Fiocruz/BR
/
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro/BR
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