Evasion of the complement system by Leishmania through the uptake of factor H, a complement regulatory protein.

Escaping the complement system is an important step in the establishment of infections. Some pathogens have acquired the ability to inactivate the complement system to ensure successful infection. This has been observed in parasites from the genus Leishmania, which inactivate C3b molecules deposited on their surface through the membrane protease GP63.

How Lutzomyia longipalpis deals with the complement system present in the ingested blood: The role of soluble inhibitors and the adsorption of factor H by midgut.

Complement inhibitors are present in all hematophagous arthropods. Lutzomyia longipalpis is an important vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiologic agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Studies with this vector identified complement inhibitors and respective inhibitory mechanisms.

Virus-like Particle Display of the α-Gal Carbohydrate for Vaccination against Infection.

Secreted and surface-displayed carbohydrates are essential for virulence and viability of many parasites, including for immune system evasion. We have identified the α-Gal trisaccharide epitope on the surface of the protozoan parasites and , the etiological agents of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively, with the latter bearing larger amounts of α-Gal than the former. A polyvalent α-Gal conjugate on the immunogenic Qβ virus-like particle was tested as a vaccine against infection in a C57BL/6 α-galactosyltransferase knockout mouse model, which mimics human hosts in producing high titers of anti-α-Gal antibodies.