Proteomic characterization of plasma-derived exosomes from P. vivax infected FRG huHep mice

This project focused in the proteomic characterization of plasma-derived exosomes from Plasmodium vivax infected FRG huHep mice, a suitable in vivo model for the development of pre-erythrocytic stages of this parasite. P. vivax is responsible for the vast majority of Malaria cases outside Africa. This parasite evolved a latent liver stage form called hypnozoite that cannot be detected using the current diagnostic methods. This represent a major limitation to the Malaria elimination goal. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication and in a large variety of physiological functions. Recently, this vesicles have been recognized for the immense potential to be used as biomarkers in the context of non-invasive diagnostic approaches from liquid biopsies. The exploration of the protein content of exosomes secreted into the bloodstream of P. vivax infected FRG huHep mice represents an interesting approach to tackle the big challenge of identifying a hypnozoite biomarker which in the future could help to identify hypnozoites carriers in Malaria vivax relapsing patients.