A Recombinant Protein Based on Trypanosoma cruzi P21 Enhances Phagocytosis

Background: P21 is a secreted protein expressed in all developmental stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the recombinant protein based on P21 (P21-His(6)) on inflammatory macrophages during phagocytosis. Findings: Our results showed that P21-His(6) acts as a phagocytosis inducer by binding to CXCR4 chemokine receptor and activating actin polymerization in a way dependent on the PI3-kinase signaling pathway. Conclusions: Thus, our results shed light on the notion that native P21 is a component related to T. cruzi evasion from the immune response and that CXCR4 may be involved in phagocytosis. P21-His(6) represents an important experimental control tool to study phagocytosis signaling pathways of different intracellular parasites and particles.

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais [APQ-00621-11]

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo

Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior [23038005295/2011-40]

Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico