Guest Lecture of Prof. Marcel I. Ramirez on the Role of Extracellular Vesicles During Parasite-host Cell Interactions

On June 7th, 2024, Marcel I. Ramirez, professor at the Carlos Chagas Institute-Fiocruz Paraná, was our guest lecturer to talk about the intricate dynamics of parasitic diseases, with a particular focus on Chagas disease and Giardiasis and the role of extracellular vesicles. 

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 6 million people globally and places 75 million at risk. The disease, transmitted primarily through insect vectors, progresses through acute, chronic, and undetermined stages, often leading to severe health consequences. Despite its widespread impact, there are currently no effective vaccines or chemotherapies, posing significant challenges to global health efforts.

Prof. Ramirez highlighted the broader impact of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which are closely tied to poverty and underdevelopment. These diseases, including Chagas disease, exert substantial economic burdens on affected regions, exacerbating conditions of socioeconomic deprivation.

The key point of the lecture was the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in parasitic infections. EVs, which include microvesicles and exosomes, play a crucial role in facilitating communication between parasites and host cells. They enhance infection and help parasites evade the host immune system. Prof. Ramirez's research has shown that EVs from T. cruzi and Giardia intestinalis significantly increase parasite adhesion and infection rates. These vesicles carry specific proteins that disrupt host immune responses, contributing to the persistence and severity of infections.

Prof. Ramirez concluded his lecture by discussing experimental strategies and future research directions. Understanding the role of EVs in parasitic diseases could lead to new therapeutic approaches, offering hope for more effective management and treatment of these pervasive illnesses.

Watch the lecture here: