Galectin-8 deficiency promotes chronic splenomegaly persistence in Chagas disease.

ABSTRACT: Galectins (Gals) are mammalian lectins with affinity for β-galactosides, which drive the immune response through several mechanisms. The specific role of Gal-8 in the development of inflammation remains controversial, as it has been shown to induce either T cell proliferation or regulation in different models. During the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, a characteristic splenomegaly is induced that is associated with both antigen-specific and non-specific polyclonal lymphocyte proliferation. This splenomegaly resolves as the infection transitions to the chronic phase. While the pathogenesis of Chagas disease is not yet fully understood, it is widely accepted to involve both parasite persistence and the host immune response. In this study, C57BL/6J and Gal-8-deficie

SUBMITTER: Bertelli A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12521124 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature