Project Cariplo Foundation “Young Researchers” 2022

Molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition by Leishmania infantum-derived factors in the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease

Date: 01/06/2023 – 31/05/2026

Principal investigator: Estefanía Calvo Alvarez, PhD

Summary

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most dementing illness, characterized by a gradual loss of cognitive functions. This project will explore the possibility that Leishmania infantum parasites, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, may subvert the activation of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome in the brain of an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.