Investigating the Phagocytosis of <em>Leishmania</em> using Confocal Microscopy

Amanda R. Paix&#227;o; Beatriz R. S. Dias; Luana C. Palma; Nat&#225;lia M. Tavares; Cl&#225;udia I. Brodskyn; Juliana P. B de Menezes; Patricia S. T. Veras

doi:10.3791/62459

Étude de la phagocytose de Leishmania à l’aide de la microscopie confocale

JoVE Journal
Immunology and Infection
Author Produced

A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.

JoVE Journal Immunology and Infection

Investigating the Phagocytosis of Leishmania using Confocal Microscopy

Étude de la phagocytose de Leishmania à l’aide de la microscopie confocale

Full Text

4,582 Views

08:41 min

July 29, 2021

DOI: 10.3791/62459-v

Amanda R. Paixão*¹, Beatriz R. S. Dias*¹, Luana C. Palma¹, Natália M. Tavares¹, Cláudia I. Brodskyn¹, Juliana P. B de Menezes¹, Patricia S. T. Veras^1,2

¹Laboratory of Host-Parasite Interaction and Epidemiology,Gonçalo Moniz Institute, ²National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases - National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq)

Please note that some of the translations on this page are AI generated. Click here for the English version.

Overview

The mechanism associated with phagocytosis in Leishmania infection remains poorly understood. This study describes methods to evaluate the early events occurring during Leishmania interaction with host cells.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Microbiology
Cell Biology
Infectious Diseases

Background

Phagocytosis is a critical process in host-pathogen interactions.
Leishmania is a protozoan parasite that causes significant disease.
Understanding phagocytosis can aid in developing therapeutic strategies.
Current knowledge of the mechanisms involved is limited.

Purpose of Study

To evaluate early events in Leishmania-host cell interactions.
To explore the role of various proteins in phagocytosis.
To provide a technique applicable to other types of infections.

Methods Used

Evaluation of phagocytosis using specific techniques.
Assessment of protein participation in the process.
Testing transfection with plasmids.
Monitoring exposure times to Nucleofector solution.

Main Results

Identification of different states of Leishmania phagocytosis.
Insights into the role of proteins during the interaction.
Potential for extending the technique to other pathogens.
Recommendations for optimizing experimental conditions.

Conclusions

The study provides valuable insights into Leishmania phagocytosis.
Methods described can enhance understanding of host-pathogen dynamics.
Future research can build on these findings to explore other infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phagocytosis?

Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and digest particles or pathogens.

Why is Leishmania infection significant?

Leishmania causes serious diseases in humans and animals, making it a public health concern.

What techniques are used in this study?

The study employs methods to evaluate phagocytosis and protein interactions.

Can this technique be applied to other infections?

Yes, the technique can be extended to study infections by bacteria and yeasts.

What precautions should be taken during experiments?

Care should be taken regarding exposure times to Nucleofector solution and plasmid numbers.

What are the main findings of the study?

The study identifies different states of phagocytosis and the involvement of various proteins.

How can this research impact future studies?

It provides a foundation for understanding host-pathogen interactions and developing therapies.

Le mécanisme associé à la phagocytose dans l’infection à Leishmania reste mal compris. Ici, nous décrivons des méthodes pour évaluer les événements précoces se produisant lors de l’interaction de Leishmania avec les cellules hôtes.

Le mécanisme associé à la phagocytose dans l’infection à Leishmania reste mal compris. Nous décrivons ici des méthodes pour évaluer les premiers états de durcissement au cours de l’interaction de Leishmania avec les cellules hôtes. Cette technique présente comme le principal avantage, permettant l’étude des différents états de phagocytose de Leishmania et la participation de plusieurs protéines.

Il convient de noter que cette technique peut également être étendue à d’autres types d’études, y compris l’infection par des bactéries, des levures ou l’engloutissement par d’autres types de cellules. Les personnes qui essaient cette technique devraient prendre soin du temps d’exposition des cellules à la solution de Nucleofector. De plus, nous suggérons de commencer à tester la transfection en utilisant un maximum de deux plasmides.

View the full transcript and gain access to thousands of scientific videos