Evaluation of paracoccin interaction with cell receptors of innate immunity, in order to determine its role in the acute phase of paracoccidioidomycosis

Abstract

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), mycosis most prevalent in Latin America, focusing on an area ranging from Mexico to Argentina, the highest incidence in Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia. The spectrum of PCM ranges from benign and localized to widespread and severe forms of the disease, often lethal. The acute form affects young patients of both sexes, mainly involving the reticuloendothelial system. Meanwhile, the chronic form is prevalent in adult males with predominantly pulmonary involvement and / or mucocutaneous, and is frequently fatal. Among the factors themselves of the fungus able to increase its pathogenicity are mentioned lipids, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. A lectin from P. brasiliensis called paracoccin (70 kDa) with affinity for N-acetyl glucosamine, was identified and located on the cell surface. This lectin contributes to the adherence of the fungus to extracellular matrix, inducing macrophage to produce TNF-alpha and high concentrations of NO. These characteristics justify the investment of effort to evaluate the interaction of paracoccin with cell receptors of innate immunity, in order to determine its role in the acute phase of paracoccidioidomycosis. (AU)