The Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammatory Process in Chagas Disease: Role of Exosomes and Contributing Genetic Factors

Figure 3

Cellular and molecular mechanisms performed by exosomes during T. cruzi infection. T. cruzi releases exosomes during infection, which contain C3 convertase binding protein and most likely contains TcCRT as well. C3 binds to the T. cruzi surface, but its cleavage is inhibited by C3 convertase binding protein, therefore inhibiting the complement pathway and escaping complement-mediated lysis. On the other hand, TcCRT binds C1q and mannose-binding proteins and ficolins, inhibiting the classical and lectin complement pathways. The parasite also releases cruzipain, which helps T. cruzi to invade the host cell. Infected host cells can release cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Symbols associated with each molecule or cells are indicated in the box.