Cellular and Genetic Mechanisms Involved in the Generation of Protective and Pathogenic Immune Responses in Human Chagas Disease

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 104; no. s1; pp. 208 - 218
• Main Authors: Dutra, Walderez Ornelas, Menezes, Cristiane Alves Silva, Villani, Fernanda Nobre Amaral, da Costa, Germano Carneiro, da Silveira, Alexandre Barcelos Morais, d'Ávila Reis, Débora, Gollob, Kenneth J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz 01.07.2009; Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Chagas disease; Chagas Disease - immunology; Chagas Disease - parasitology; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; immunoregulation; PARASITOLOGY; pathology; protection; T-cells; TROPICAL MEDICINE; Trypanosoma cruzi - genetics; Trypanosoma cruzi - immunology; Trypanosoma cruzi - pathogenicity; T-cells; Chagas disease; immunoregulation; protection; pathology
• ISSN: 1678-8060; 0074-0276; 1678-8060; 0074-0276
• DOI: 10.1590/S0074-02762009000900027

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of human Chagas disease is the complex network of events that underlie the generation of protective versus pathogenic immune responses during the chronic phase of the disease. While most individuals do not develop patent disease, a large percentage may develop severe forms that eventually lead to death. Although many efforts have been devoted to deciphering these mechanisms, there is still much to be learned before we can fully understand the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. It is clear that the host's immune response is decisive in this process. While characteristics of the parasite influence the immune response, it is becoming evident that the host genetic background plays a fundamental role in the establishment of pathogenic versus protective responses. The involvement of three complex organisms, host, parasite and vector, is certainly one of the key aspects that calls for multidisciplinary approaches towards the understanding of Chagas disease. We believe that now, one hundred years after the discovery of Chagas disease, it is imperative to continue with highly interactive research in order to elucidate the immune response associated with disease evolution, which will be essential in designing prophylactic or therapeutic interventions.