Leishmaniasis or Kalazar or black fever is a disease caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani. It is spread by the bite of certain types of sandflies. Chronic infections also occur as the parasite uses a physiological response to lower oxygen levels, reveals a new study.
In an article in the latest issue of Plos Pathogens, INRS professor Simona Stäger and her team show how the parasite Leishmania donovani uses a physiological response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) to establish a chronic infection.
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‘The capacity of monocytes and macrophages to kill the parasite is reduced by the transcription factor HIF-1α, which plays a major role in the establishment of chronic Leishmania infections.’
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The parasite behind visceral leishmaniasis causes a chronic inflammation that enlarges the spleen and creates a hypoxic microenvironment.
To compensate for the lack of oxygen and ensure their survival, cells adapt by inducing the expression of the transcription factor HIF-1α, the master regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia.
![Scientists Closer to Developing a Shot Against Black Fever]( "Scientists Closer to Developing a Shot Against Black Fever")
Scientists are getting closer to developing a vaccine against kala azar (black fever) - a fatal parasitic infection transmitted by sandflies.
Professor Stäger and her team have demonstrated the effect of this key regulator on the function of monocytes and macrophages during viceral leishmaniasis, the most severe form of a tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world. These cells are the main targets of the parasite L. donovani.
"Our lab work demonstrates that HIF-1α plays a key role in the establishment of chronic Leishmania infections by reducing the capacity of monocytes and macrophages to kill the parasite. We also found that HIF-1α gives these cells immunosuppressant properties," explains Professor Stäger.
Source: Eurekalert
Scientists Closer to Developing a Shot Against Black Fever
Scientists are getting closer to developing a vaccine against kala azar (black fever) - a fatal parasitic infection transmitted by sandflies.
Advertisement
Professor Stäger and her team have demonstrated the effect of this key regulator on the function of monocytes and macrophages during viceral leishmaniasis, the most severe form of a tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world. These cells are the main targets of the parasite L. donovani.
"Our lab work demonstrates that HIF-1α plays a key role in the establishment of chronic Leishmania infections by reducing the capacity of monocytes and macrophages to kill the parasite. We also found that HIF-1α gives these cells immunosuppressant properties," explains Professor Stäger.
Source: Eurekalert
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