Les protéines IFITM (« InterFeron Inducible TransMembrane proteins »), et en particulier les membres 1, 2 et 3, sont des facteurs de restriction antiviraux dont l’expression est induite par le système immunitaire inné en réponse à une infection virale. Elles inhibent la réplication de nombreux virus pathogènes pour l’homme parmi lesquels figurent le virus de la grippe A, le VIH (Virus de l’Immunodéficience Humaine) de type 1 ou encore le virus de l’hépatite C. Ces virus entrent dans la cellule hôte, soit par fusion directe avec la membrane plasmique, soit par la voie de l’endocytose. Il est à présent communément admis que les protéines IFITM, localisées au sein des membranes plasmiques et endolysosomales, agissent en inhibant la fusion des membranes virales et cellulaires, empêchant par conséquent l’entrée du virus dans la cellule et donc sa réplication. D’autre part, dans le cas du VIH, leur incorporation dans les particules virales produites par la cellule hôte diminuerait la capacité de ces particules à infecter de nouvelles cellules cibles. Cependant, les mécanismes moléculaires par lesquels les protéines IFITM interfèrent avec le cycle viral ne sont pas encore clairement définis.Parmi les membres de la famille IFITM, IFITM3 est celui qui présente l’effet antiviral le plus systématique selon les différentes études. Il constitue donc un modèle de référence pour étudier la famille IFITM.Déterminer la structure ainsi que la topologie membranaire d’IFITM3 sous sa forme active rendrait alors possible la réalisation d’études fonctionnelles, dont les résultats contribueraient sans nul doute à élucider le(s) mécanisme(s) par le(s)quel(s) IFITM3 exerce son activité antivirale.C’est pourquoi, nous nous sommes tout d’abord attelés à reconstituer IFITM3 au sein de membranes artificielles (liposomes, nanodisques), car contrairement aux micelles de détergent, ces membranes artificielles peuvent mimer l’environnement natif des protéines membranaires et par conséquent, offrir de plus grandes chances de les y étudier sous leur forme active. Nous avons ensuite procédé à la caractérisation biochimique et biophysique d’IFITM3 et avons mis en évidence la formation de dimère de la protéine ainsi que de plus grandes espèces oligomériques. L’analyse structurale d’IFITM3 reconstituée en nanodisques par RMN nous a quant à elle permis d’identifier une courte région hélicoïdale dans la région N-terminale extramembranaire d’IFITM3 encore jamais décrite auparavant et pouvant correspondre à un motif d’internalisation. Nous avons en outre observé, par microscopie électronique à coloration négative, de potentiels effets d’IFITM3 sur la courbure de la membrane de liposomes qui pourraient être à l’origine de son action inhibitrice sur la fusion virale. Et enfin, nous avons montré au travers d’expériences TEVC que lorsqu’IFITM3 est présente dans l’environnement extracellulaire d’ovocytes de xénope, celle-ci est capable d’engendrer des fuites ioniques au travers de la membrane des ovocytes qui pourraient résulter soit, d’une déstabilisation de la membrane par IFITM3 soit, d’une formation de pores membranaires par la protéine. / The host cell first line of defence against viral infections induces the production of interferons. These interferons are then released in the surrounding medium where they bind to target cells and induce the expression of hundreds of genes so called interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). The interferon inducible transmembrane proteins IFITM are part of the products of these ISGs. IFITM1, 2 and 3 are antiviral factors able to restrict the replication of a broad variety of enveloped viruses, such as influenza virus, HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Hepatitis C virus. These viruses enter in the host cell either by direct fusion with the cell membrane or by endocytosis. IFITM proteins contain two membrane regions for insertion or interaction with plasma and endolysosomal membranes where they block the fusion of virus particles with cellular membranes by a mechanism which is still undefined. In addition, their incorporation into new HIV virions, in virus producing cells, has been correlated with decreased infectivity.Among the IFITM protein family members, IFITM3 is the one showing the most recurrent antiviral effect in the different studies. Therefore it represents a good model to study the whole IFITM family.The determination of its structure and membrane topology is crucial to be able to clarify, through structure-based functional studies, the mechanism(s) by which IFITM3 interfere with the viral cycle.Here we characterized and we studied IFITM3 structure and membrane topology in a lipidic environment close to its native environment such as liposomes and nanodiscs. We demonstrated that IFITM3 can self-associate to form at least a dimer. Some higher order associations of IFITM3 have been observed after its reconstitution into liposomes and big size nanodiscs. We discovered by NMR in solution that the N-terminal region of IFITM3 contains a small helical region, never described until now, which could correspond to an internalization motif. We also observed by negative staining electron microscopy some liposomal membrane curvature changes that could be assigned to the presence of IFITM3 in these liposomes. And we discovered through TEVC experiments that IFITM3 addition in the extracellular environment of xenopus oocytes produces ion leaks through the oocyte membrane which could result either from membrane destabilization or from a pore formation.

Aging is a risk factor for adipose tissue dysfunction, which is associated with inflammatory innate immune mechanisms. Since the adipose tissue/liver axis contributes to hepatosteatosis, we sought to determine age-related adipose tissue dysfunction in the context of the activation of the innate immune system fostering fatty liver phenotypes. Using wildtype and immune-deficient mice, we compared visceral adipose tissue and liver mass as well as hepatic lipid storage in young (ca. 14 weeks) and adult (ca. 30 weeks) mice. Adipocyte size was determined as an indicator of adipocyte function and liver steatosis was quantified by hepatic lipid content. Further, lipid storage was investigated under normal and steatosis-inducing culture conditions in isolated hepatocytes. The physiological age-related increase in body weight was associated with a disproportionate increase in adipose tissue mass in immune-deficient mice, which coincided with higher triglyceride storage in the liver. Lipid storage was similar in isolated hepatocytes from wildtype and immune-deficient mice under normal culture conditions but was significantly higher in immune-deficient than in wildtype hepatocytes under steatosis-inducing culture conditions. Immune-deficient mice also displayed increased inflammatory, adipogenic, and lipogenic markers in serum and adipose tissue. Thus, the age-related increase in body weight coincided with an increase in adipose tissue mass and hepatic steatosis. In association with a (pro-)inflammatory milieu, aging thus promotes hepatosteatosis, especially in immune-deficient mice.

No description available.

La peau constitue l’une des premières lignes de défense contre les menaces extérieures. Elle présente un système nerveux sensoriel particulièrement développé capable d’interagir fonctionnellement avec son système immunitaire. Cependant ces interactions neuro-immunes sont encore très mal comprises et des analyses plus fines sont nécessaires pour décrypter le réel potentiel de ces neurones à réguler les réponses immunitaires. Nos travaux, présentés ici, se concentrent sur le rôle d'une sous-population de neurones sensoriels innervant la peau identifiée par le marqueur GINIP. La déplétion conditionnelle de ces neurones in vivo (souris GINIP-DTR), à révélé leur rôle central dans le contrôle de l'inflammation et de la réparation des tissus cutanés suite à une exposition aux UV. Les souris dépourvues de neurones GINIP+ présentent une augmentation du nombre de macrophages inflammatoires et des lésions profondes du derme comparées aux souris sauvages. Afin de disséquer les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués, nous nous sommes intéressés à la protéine XXX, un médiateur produit par une sous population de neurones GINIP+, les C-LTMR. In vitro, XXX réduit l’expression de cytokines pro-inflammatoires et favorise la production de médiateurs anti-inflammatoires par les macrophages. In vivo, l’absence de cette molécule (souris XXX-KO) accélère la différentiation des monocytes infiltrant en macrophages résidents, les rendant incapables de résoudre la fibrose du derme induite par les UV. Ces résultats suggèrent que les C-LTMR régulent fonctionnellement des cellules myéloïdes via XXX. / The skin is one of the body’s first lines of defense against external threats. This complex tissue contains a highly developed sensory nervous system and an immune system can cooperate to maintain homeostasis. However, these neuro-immune interactions are still poorly understood and further analyses are necessary to understand their role in skin immune response and tissue repair.The goal of the work presented here is to explore the role of a subset of skin sensory neurons identified by the marker GINIP. In vivo, the conditional depletion of these neurons (GINIP-DTR mice) revealed their central role in the control of inflammation and in the repair of skin exposed to UV (ultrat-violet) irradiation. Compared to wild type controls, mice lacking GINIP+ neurons displayed an increase in inflammatory macrophage number in the dermis associated with deep damage. To decipher the molecular mechanisms involved, we focused on the protein XXX, a mediator produced by a subset of GINIP+ neurons, the C-LTMR. In vitro, XXX reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoted anti-inflammatory factors by macrophages. In vivo, the lack of this molecule (XXX KO mice) accelerated the differentiation of infiltrating monocytes in dermis resident macrophages, making them unable to resolve the fibrosis induced by UV treatment. These results suggest that C-LTMR regulates the myeloid cell response to UV irradiation via XXX.

Surfactant proteins, SP-A and SP-D, are collagen-containing calcium-dependent (C-type) lectins, called, collectins. Their primary structure has four regions: a cysteine-linked N- terminal region involved in multimerization, a collagen region composed of Gly-X-Y repeats, coiled-coil neck region, and the C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD) or C-type lectin domain. SP-A looks like a bouquet, while SP-D is a cruciform- like structure, with four arms of equal length. SP-A and SP-D have been shown to act as innate immune molecules at pulmonary as well as extra-pulmonary sites by binding to pathogens, allergens and apoptotic/necrotic cells via their CRD region. SP-A and SP-D can induce pathogen neutralization and enhanced phagocytosis. In addition, SP-A and SP-D can interact via CRDs with allergens and dampen allergic reaction in vitro and in vivo. This thesis examines in vitro interaction of a recombinant fragment of human SP-D containing neck and CRD regions (rhSP-D) with IAV and Aspergillus fumigatus, in addition to characterizing a dichotomy of the effects of SP-A and SP-D on dendritic cells in an attempt to explain how SP-A and SP-D modulate DC functions differentially. Experiments involving interaction of rhSP-D with IAV pandemic strain show that it can be a restrictive factor against the virus, in addition to modulating immune response by a macrophage cell line. The rhSP-D can have anti-A. fumigatus effect directly and indirectly in the context of pathogen as well as allergen. A comparison has been made between two recombinant fragments of SP-D that have been expressed with and without 8 Gly-X-Y repeats for their fungistatic properties. The effects of SP-A and SP-D on cultured DC maturation, and effector cytokine and proliferative response of co-cultured cells have also been examined in vitro.

Die angeborene Immunität ist in der Lage, Pathogene schon beim erstmaligen Eindringen zu erkennen und zu bekämpfen. Haupteffektoren der schnellen, angeborenen Immunantwort sind Makrophagen und polymorphkernige neutrophile Granulozyten. Diese erkennen und phagozytieren Pathogene und koordinieren die weitere Immunantwort durch die Freisetzung von inflammatorischen Mediatoren und Zytokinen. Die Erkennung mikrobieller Bestandteile, wie Lipopolysaccharid (LPS) Gram-negativer Bakterien bzw. Peptidoglykan (PG) und Lipoteichonsäuren (LTA) Gram-positiver Bakterien, führt zur Aktivierung von unterschiedlichen Proteinkinasen, des Transkriptionsfaktors NF-(B und zur Freisetzung von Zytokinen. Mitglieder der Toll-Proteinfamilie, sogenannte Toll-like-Rezeptoren (TLR), wurden kürzlich als Rezeptoren auf Immunzellen identifiziert, die für die Erkennung solcher mikrobieller Bestandteile verantwortlich sind. Während TLR-4 der LPS-Erkennung dient, und TLR-2 und -6 verschiedene Liganden von Gram-positiven Bakterien binden, blieb die Frage der Erkennung von LTA und verwandten Glykolipiden strittig. Sowohl TLR-2 als auch TLR-4 wurden für diese Rolle diskutiert. Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit war, die Rolle von TLRs in der LTA- und Glykolipid-Erkennung zu untersuchten. Glykolipide von zwei eng verwandten Treponemen-Spezies, T. maltophilum (TM) und T. brennaborense (TB), sowie neuartig aufgereinigte Lipoteichonsäuren von Staphylococcus aureus (SA) und Bacillus subtilis (BS) wurden eingesetzt, um die nukleäre Translokation von NF-(B in verschiedenen Zellsystemen zu induzieren. Diese Zellstimulationsexperimente wurden mit verschiedenen TLR-2-negativen Zellinien sowie mit Peritonealexsudatzellen TLR-4-defizienter C3H/HeJ-Mäuse durchgeführt. Weitere Informationen lieferten TLR-2-Überexpressions-Experimente sowie Zellstimulationen unter Verwendung von anti-TLR-4-Antikörpern. Die Aktivierung von NF-(B wurde anhand von Gelshifts nachgewiesen. Mit der Überexpression von dominant-negativen Mutanten verschiedener Moleküle der Signalkaskade, mit Kinase-Hemmstoffen und mit Western Blots wurden die intrazellulären Signaltransduktionswege untersucht. Für Glykolipide von T. maltophilum und beide verwendeten Lipoteichonsäuren ließ sich eine klare TLR-2-Abhängigkeit in der Aktivierung von NF-(B und der Induktion von proinflammatorischen Zytokinen zeigen. Die Glykolipide von T. brennaborense hingegen waren überraschender Weise gleichzeitig auch TLR-4-Liganden. Beide untersuchten Glykolipide sowie beide LTAs aktivierten einen Signalweg unter Einbeziehung des Adaptermoleküls MyD88 und der NF-(B-induzierenden Kinase (NIK). Des weiteren konnte der Einfluß der MAP-Kinasen p42/44 und p38 auf die Treponema-Glykolipid- und LPS-induzierte TNF-(-Ausschüttung dargestellt werden. Zusammenfassend zeigen diese Ergebnisse, daß TLR-2 der Hauptrezeptor von Lipoteichonsäuren ist, und TLR-2 und -4 beide Rezeptoren der Treponema-Glykolipide sein können. Diese Ergebnisse sollten dazu beitragen, die molekularen Grundlagen der Reaktionen des Immunsystems auf Gram-positive Bakterien und Treponemen zu verstehen. / The innate immune response to microbial pathogens is able to protect the host after a first pathogen contact. This immediate immune response is largely mediated by macrophages and neutrophils. They recognize and phagocytose pathogens, and coordinate host responses by secreting inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines. The recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria, or peptidoglycan (PG) and lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) of Gram-positive bacteria leads to the induction of protein-kinases, the transcription factor NF-(B, and subsequently the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Recently, members of the Toll-protein-family, the so-called Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been found to be involved in immune cell activation by microbial products. While TLR-4 has been identified as the transmembrane signal transducer for LPS, and TLR-2 and -6 for different ligands originating from Gram-positive bacteria, the molecular basis of recognition of lipoteichoic acids and related glycolipids has not been completely understood: Both, TLR-4 and -2 have been postulated as receptors. In order to determine the role of TLRs in immune cell activation by Treponema glycolipids and LTAs experiments involving TLR-2-negative cell lines, macrophages from TLR-4-deficient C3H/HeJ-mice, cells overexpression TLR-2, and inhibitory TLR-4 antibodies were performed. The induction of NF-(B was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Glycolipids of two related Treponema species, T. maltophilum (TM) and T. brennaborense (TB), and LTAs from Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) were investigated for induction of nuclear translocation of NF-(B in different cell systems. Glycolipids from T. maltophilum and both LTAs studied revealed TLR-2-dependency in induction of NF-(B and proinflammatory cytokines. Surprisingly, glycolipids from T. brennaborense were found to be TLR-4-ligands. Furthermore an involvement of the signaling molecules MyD88 and NIK in cell stimulation by LTAs and glycolipids was revealed by dominant-negative overexpression experiments. The induction of TNF-( by Treponema glycolipids furthermore was dependent on activation of MAP kinases p42/44 and p38, as indicated by specific kinase inhibitors. Tyrosinephosporylation of the p42/44 kinase induced by Treponema glycolipids were detected by western blots. In summary, the results presented here indicate that TLR-2 is the main receptor for LTAs. Both TLR-2 and -4 serve as receptors for Treponema glycolipids. These results may potentially contribute to explain immune responses to Gram-positive bacteria and treponemes.

Francisella tularensis, l'agent de la tularémie, est une bactérie intracellulaire capable d'infecter un grand nombre de cellules dont les macrophages. Le système immunitaire inné cytosolique est capable de détecter la bactérie à différents stades de son cycle d'infection. Dans un premier temps, le macrophage détecte la bactérie cytosolique et produit de l'interféron de type I. Cet interféron induit l'expression de milliers de gènes. Le macrophage est ensuite capable de détecter l'ADN cytosolique de la bactérie via un récepteur spécifique AIM2. La liaison AIM2-ADN entraine la formation d'un complexe multi-protéique appelé inflammasome et se composant de AIM2-ASC-caspase-1. L'activation de ce complexe conduit à la maturation de la caspase-1. Caspase-1 permet la sécrétion de deux cytokines majeures antimicrobiennes : l'IL-1beta et l'IL-18. De plus, caspase-1 induit une mort programmée des cellules infectées appelée pyroptose. La sécrétion de cytokines et la pyroptose sont deux évènements majeurs pour lutter contre les pathogènes. Ma thèse a consisté à identifier le lien entre l'interféron et l'activation de l inflammasome AIM2 dans des macrophages infectés par la bactérie Francisella. En réalisant un crible a l'aide d'ARNs interférents, j'ai découvert que 2 protéines sont impliquées dans l'activation de cet inflammasome, les guanylate binding proteins 2 et 5 (GBP2 et GBP5). En collaboration avec l'équipe du Dr. Broz en Suisse, nous avons démontré que les GBPs étaient impliquées dans le contrôle de la réplication intracellulaire de Francisella et également dans la lyse de la bactérie permettant le relargage d'ADN et l'activation de l'inflammasome AIM2. Les GBPs sont induites par l'interféron de type I mais très majoritairement par l'interféron de type II (IFN- gamma). Nous avons mis en évidence que le contrôle de la réplication bactérienne est GB dépendant et inflammasome-dépendant en absence d'IFN- gamma mais qu'il devient totalement GB dépendant et inflammasome-indépendant dans des macrophages pré-stimulés avec de l'IFN- gamma. De plus, la mort des macrophages pré-stimulés avec de l'IFN- gamma et infectés par Francisella est également GBP-dépendante et inflammasome-indépendante. En prenant en compte tous ces résultats, nous concluons que les GBPs sont des protéines impliquées dans l'immunité des macrophages infectés par Francisella mais qu'elles ont un double rôle : d'une part celui d'induire l'activation de l'inflammasome (la pyroptose) sous le contrôle de l'interféron de type I et d'autre part, d'induire une mort cellulaire et la lyse des bactéries cytosoliques de manière indépendante de l'inflammasome sous le contrôle d'IFN- gamma. Nos résultats placent donc les GBPs comme les effecteurs majeurs de l'immunité cytosolique antibactérienne suite au traitement par l'IFN-gamma / Francisella tularensis is an intracellular bacterium, and the causative agent of tularemia, capable of infecting a large number of cells including macrophages. The innate cytosolic immune system is capable of detecting the bacterium at different stages of its infection cycle. Macrophages first detect the DNA of the cytosolic bacterium and produce type I interferon. Type I interferon subsequently induces the expression of thousands of genes. The macrophages then detect the cytosolic DNA of the bacterium via a cytosolic DNA sensor called AIM2. The AIM2-DNA binding results in the formation of a multi-protein complex called the AIM2 inflammasome composed of AIM2-ASC-caspase-1. Activation of this complex leads to the maturation of caspase-1. Caspase-1 activation leads to the secretion of two major antimicrobial cytokines, IL-1ß and IL-18. In addition, caspase-1 induces a programmed cell death termed pyroptosis. Cytokine secretion and pyroptosis are two major events in the control of pathogens. My PhD focused in identifying the link between interferon and activation of the AIM2 inflammasome in macrophages infected with the pathogenic bacterium Francisella. I performed a RNA interference screening and identified two proteins involved in the activation of the AIM2 inflammasome: guanylate binding proteins 2 and 5 (GBP2 and GBP5). In collaboration with Dr. Broz’s team in Switzerland, we demonstrated that GBPs are involved in the control of intracellular replication of Francisella and also in the lysis of the bacterium allowing the release of bacterial DNA and the activation of inflammasome AIM2. GBPs are induced by type I interferon but to a much greater extent by type II interferon (IFN-gamma). In the second part of my work, we demonstrate that the control of bacterial replication is GBP-dependent and inflammasome-dependent in the absence of IFN-gamma but that it becomes fully GBP-dependent and inflammasome-independent in macrophages primed with IFN-gamma. Cell-death of macrophages primed with IFN-? and infected with Francisella is also GBP-dependent and inflammasome-independent. Taken together, these results demonstrate that GBPs are innate immunity proteins involved in the death of macrophages and the bacterial growth restriction through two differents pathways : one induces the activation of inflammasome (induction of Pyroptosis) controlled with type I interferon signaling and, another induces cell-death and bacterial killing in an inflammasome-independent manner under the control of IFN-gamma. Our results thus discriminates the antimicrobial action of the inflammasome and of GBPs and position GBPs as the master antibacterial effectors of IFN-gamma, a key cytokine to fight cytosolic bacteria

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurological condition, clinically characterized by memory deficits, cognitive and physical impairment, and personality changes. Traditionally, AD was considered a type of protein folding disorder. Here, the concept of AD as an autoimmune disease of the innate immune system was developed. After exploring evolutionary connections between the AD peptide β-amyloid (Aβ) and known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and elucidating the structural similarities between Aβ and AMPs, a mechanism of action for Aβ’s antimicrobial activity is proposed that is based on the compromise of bacterial membranes. Following these theoretical considerations, experimental evidence is presented for the production of Aβ by cells in response to infection, and for Aβ’s antibacterial and antiviral activity. Rooted in similarities of the cell membranes of neuronal and bacterial cells in terms of lipid composition and transmembrane potential, it is hypothesised that Aβ’s neurotoxicity is caused by its misguided attack on neurons as an AMP. In reversing the concept of Aβ as an AMP, the similarity of AMPs to Aβ is demonstrated in experiments revealing the neurotoxicity of two AMPs, LL 37, and cecropin A. To determine a mechanism for the progressive nature of AD, it was shown that, although apoptosis may be involved in AD, it is actually necrosis that is responsible for the propagation of neuronal cell death so characteristic of AD. With the Vicious Cycle of AD, a scheme was devised, integrating the results obtained here with data and research from other groups, which explains the chronic and progressive nature of AD as a result of Aβ’s physiological role as an AMP and innate immune system effector. Borne from Aβ’s activity as an AMP and its central role in the Vicious Cycle of AD, a question was investigated: do antibiotics, such as penicillin, that cause release of bacterial endotoxins due to their mechanism of action, trigger the Vicious Cycle of AD and thus lead to the development of AD? Preliminary evidence supporting this notion was presented.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In aquaculture, eugenol have been used and recommended as anesthetics for several fish species. Moreover, this product has attracted the attention of researchers because of its chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as, its antimicrobial potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of eugenol against the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila and eugenol s effect on hematological and natural immune parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). In vitro, eugenol showed weak activity against A. hydrophila, but in vivo, at a subinhibitory concentration (10 mg L-1), it promoted survival in infected silver catfish. Eugenol (50 μg mL-1) reduced the hemolytic activity of A. hydrophila supernatant in vitro in fish erythrocytes. Subjecting catfish to eugenol baths (5 and 10 mg L-1) for five days did not alter the hematological and immunological parameters studied in this work. Based on these results, eugenol can be used to treat or prevent bacterial diseases in fish. / Na aquicultura o eugenol tem sido utilizado e recomendado como anestésico para várias espécies de peixes. Além disso, este produto tem atraído a atenção de pesquisadores devido a suas propriedades quimiopreventivas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes, bem como, o seu potencial antimicrobiano. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade do eugenol contra o patógeno de peixes Aeromonas hydrophila e seu efeito sobre parâmetros hematológicos e de imunidade natural em jundiás (Rhamdia quelen). O eugenol mostrou fraca atividade contra A. hydrophila in vitro, mas in vivo, a uma concentração subinibitória (10 mg/L) promoveu a sobrevivência de jundiás infectados. In vitro o eugenol (50 μg/mL) reduziu a atividade hemolítica do sobrenadante de A. hydrophila em eritrócitos de peixe. A exposição de jundiás ao eugenol (5 e 10 mg/L) através de banhos durante cinco dias não alterou os parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos estudados neste trabalho. Com base nestes resultados, o eugenol pode ser usado para tratar ou prevenir infecções bacterianas em peixes.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-03-03T12:21:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 alexandrebittencourtpigozzo.pdf: 866787 bytes, checksum: c6792b0cf7e2393b912ea7c1c8fdae2c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-03-06T20:06:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 alexandrebittencourtpigozzo.pdf: 866787 bytes, checksum: c6792b0cf7e2393b912ea7c1c8fdae2c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-06T20:06:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 alexandrebittencourtpigozzo.pdf: 866787 bytes, checksum: c6792b0cf7e2393b912ea7c1c8fdae2c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-28 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O sistema imunológico humano (SIH) é composto por uma rede complexa de células, tecidos e órgãos especializados em defender o organismo contra doenças. Para atingir tal objetivo, o SIH identifica e extermina uma ampla gama de agentes patogênicos externos, como vírus e bactérias, além de células do próprio organismo que podem estar se comportando de forma anormal, e que poderiam dar origem a tumores, caso não fossem eliminadas. O SIH é ainda responsável pelo processo de eliminação de células mortas e renovação de algumas estruturas do organismo. A compreensão do SIH é, portanto, essencial. Entretanto a sua complexidade e a interação entre seus muitos componentes, nos mais diversos níveis, torna a tarefa extremamente complexa. Alguns de seus aspectos, no entanto, podem ser melhor compreendidos se modelados computacionalmente, permitindo a pesquisadores da área realizar um grande volume de experimentos e testar um grande número de hipóteses em um curto período de tempo. A longo prazo, pode-se vislumbrar um quadro onde todo o SIH poderá ser simulado, permitindo aos cientistas desenvolverem e testarem vacinas e medicamentos contra várias doenças, bem como contra a rejeição de órgãos e tecidos transplantados, diminuindo o uso de animais experimentais. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho visa implementar e simular computacionalmente um modelo matemático do SIH, sendo o objetivo principal reproduzir a dinâmica de uma resposta imune ao lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) em um pequena seção de um tecido. O modelo matemático é composto de um sistema de equações diferenciais parciais (EDPs) que incorpora a dinâmica de alguns tipos de células e moléculas do SIH durante uma resposta imune ao LPS no tecido. / The Human Immune System (HIS) consists of a complex network of cells, tissues and organs. The HIS plays an crucial role in defending the body against diseases. To achieve this goal, the immune system identifies and kills a wide range of external pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, and the body's own cells which are behaving abnormally. If these cells were not eliminated, they could give rise to tumors. The HIS is also responsible for removing dead cells and replacing some of the structures of the body. The understanding of the HIS is therefore essential. However, its complexity and the intense interaction among several components, in various levels, make this task extremely complex. Some of its aspects, however, may be better understood if a computational model is used, which allows researchers to test a large number of hypotheses in a short period of time. In the future we can envision a computer program that can simulate the entire HIS. This computer program will allow scientists to develop and test new drugs against various diseases, as well as to treat organ or tissue transplant rejection, without requiring animals experiments. In this scenario, our work aims to implement and simulate a mathematical model of the HIS. Its main objective is to reproduce the dynamics of a immune response to lipopoly-saccharides (LPS) in a microscopic section of a tissue. The mathematical model is composed of a system of partial differential equations (PDEs) that defines the dynamics of some tissues and molecules of the HIS during the immune response to the LPS.