Endothelial cells protect Schistosoma mansoni from hydrogen peroxide-induced death.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis, thrives in the human host, particularly within the vascular system. Understanding the role of endothelial cells during infection is crucial. Currently, schistosomiasis treatment depends solely on praziquantel (PZQ), but emerging evidence suggests decreasing efficacy. This highlights the need for new therapeutic strategies, including agents that modulate the host antioxidant response, such as dapsone.

Methods

Adult S. mansoni worms were harvested from infected mice via portal perfusion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and exposed to worm pairs and PZQ for 1, 3, or 6 hours. Post-exposure, RNA was extracted and analyzed by qPCR to assess the expression of antioxida

SUBMITTER: Souza BOL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12829943 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature