Characterization of infection of the feline macrophage strain (Fcwf-4) by Leishmania amazonensis
Feline leishmaniasis, FCWF-4, L. amazonensis, glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), macrophages
Leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, with a wide worldwide distribution and high relevance to public health; nevertheless, they remain neglected and mainly affect developing countries. Brazil accounts for most of the reported cases of leishmaniasis in Latin America, presenting both cutaneous and visceral forms of the disease. Transmission occurs through infected sandflies and involves multiple reservoirs, especially canids. However, feline leishmaniasis (FeL) has been increasingly reported in the literature, suggesting a potential role of cats as secondary reservoirs, particularly in endemic areas. Therefore, this study aimed to establish an in vitro feline infection model to elucidate the biological and immunological aspects of feline leishmaniasis, seeking to characterize the feline macrophage cell line Fcwf-4 during infection with Leishmania amazonensis and to provide an in vitro model for future studies. It was observed that this cell line is capable of interacting with the parasite and that the parasites remain viable for at least 48 hours. In order to simulate a coinfection, the capsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) from Cryptococcus neoformans, which can negatively immunomodulate the cellular response, was used. Our data showed that in its presence there are changes in nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as in cytokine expression, which favors the intracellular persistence of the parasite.