Identifikace a funkční studie imunitních genů flebotomů

Vomáčková Kykalová, Barbora

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia are proven vectors of Leishmania (Kinetoplastea, Trypanosomatida), causative agent of leishmaniases, tropical neglected diseases. To contribute on creating new control strategies we investigated the molecular aspects of interaction between the vector and pathogen on the immunity level. Sand fly innate immunity is based on cellular and humoral events which work synergistically to secure effective protection against pathogens. Here we present our research on humoral aspects of sand fly immunity, specifically on main humoral pathways (Toll, Imd, and Jak- STAT), their genes and function under different conditions especially during Leishmania development in sand fly midgut. We have described gene expression profiles of Toll and Imd - related genes in Phlebotomus papatasi larvae fed with different microbe loads and in adult females infected with Leishmania major. We have identified three antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in P. papatasi and followed their expression profiles during parasite infection and described a gut-specific defensin upregulated by Leishmania infection. We have proven that the knockdown of defensin genes in P. papatasi supports Leishmania infection and negatively affects sand fly survival. Moreover, we...

guest :: login Digital Repository
		Search		Submit		Help		About