Macrophage migration inhibitory factor favors Neospora caninum infection in mice.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite with worldwide incidence, acting as a major cause of reproductive failures in ruminants and neuromuscular symptoms in dogs. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is produced by several cell types and exhibits a central role in immune responses against intracellular pathogens. The present study aimed to comprehend the role of MIF in the relationship between N.

TNF-TNFR1 Signaling Enhances the Protection Against Infection.

is a protozoan associated with abortions in ruminants and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Classically, the immune response against apicomplexan parasites is characterized by the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF. TNF is mainly produced during the acute phases of the infections and binds to TNF receptor 1 (CD120a, p55, TNFR1) activating a variety of cells, hence playing an important role in the induction of the inflammatory process against diverse pathogens.

Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase is required for parasite restriction and inflammatory modulation during Neospora caninum infection.

Neospora caninum infection is an important cause of neuromuscular disease in dogs and abortion in cattle, leading to significant economic losses in beef and dairy industries. The protective immunity against apicomplexan parasites, specifically Toxoplasma gondii and N. caninum, is typically achieved by inducing an IL-12-driven Th1 immune response.

Toll-Like Receptor 3-TRIF Pathway Activation by RNA Enhances Infection Control in Mice.

is a protozoan parasite closely related to and has been studied for causing neuromuscular disease in dogs and abortions in cattle. It is recognized as one of the main transmissible causes of reproductive failure in cattle and consequent economic losses to the sector. In that sense, this study aimed to evaluate the role of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-TRIF-dependent resistance against infection in mice.

Biological and Enzymatic Characterization of Proteases from Crude Venom of the Ant Odontomachus bauri.

Hymenoptera venoms constitute an interesting source of natural toxins that may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents. The present study investigated the enzymatic and biological characteristics of the crude venom of the ant Odontomachus bauri. Its crude venom presents several protein bands, with higher staining for six proteins with gelatinolytic activity (17, 20, 26, 29, 43 and 48 kDa).