Biological characterization of a beta-galactosidase expressing clone of Trypanosoma cruzi CL strain

A flow cytometer-based method to simultaneously assess activity and selectivity of compounds against the intracellular forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

“…Indeed, reports in the literature show that engineering of T. cruzi strains to express beta-galactosidase or fluorescent proteins can alter parameters as infectivity to mice compared to their parental strains (Le-Senne et al, 2002, Guevara et al, 2005, Santos et al, 2000. We confirmed here that integration of the pTREXgfp vector does not affect the fitness of the parasite in vitro or in the mouse model of infection, maintaining throughout its life cycle the fluorescent signal without need of further re-selection.…”

Exploring the potential activity spectrum of two 5-nitroindazolinone prototypes on different Trypanosoma cruzi strains

“…The results of this primary screening on a β-galactosidase-transfected clone (Buckner et al 1996) with a biological behaviour similar to that of the parental CL strain (TcVI) (Le-Senne et al 2002), prompted us to perform a deeper study of their broad activity on other T. cruzi strains . Consequently, further screening procedures were carried out on intracellular forms of Tulahuen strain to confirm their activity on TcVI parasites, as well as over both extracellular and intracellular stages of T. cruzi Y, representative strain of TcII.…”

Benznidazole Nanoformulates: A Chance to Improve Therapeutics for Chagas Disease

“…In vitro biological activity assays were carried out using axenic cultures of T. cruzi (CL strain, clone B5) carrying lacZ, 39 generously provided by Gómez-Barrio. 40 Formulations with a low cytotoxicity for mammalian cells (< 20% inhibition) 41 were tested for their activity against epimastigotes chosen for preliminary screening because of its simple maintenance and relatively high drug sensitivity. 42 Drug activity was evaluated using the colorimetric method 43,44 .…”