The IBPLN site of the Platform for Animal Experimentation Models affords wide-ranging experience, both scientific and that of personnel qualified in experimental systems of different susceptibility and resistance to infection by different parasitic protozoa (Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei brucei) as well as different species of Leishmania the cause of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Patterns of parasite persistence in blood and tissue (detection and histological analysis), as well as those that are strictly immunological, have been established for these infections. Likewise established in vitrois the complete cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi and systems of in vitro culture of different species of Leishmania and T. rangeli. Also available are strains of T. cruzi transiently transfected with GFP and stably transfected with luciferase, both suitable for drug-efficacy studies.
Similarly, research can be conducted on animal models that require the extraction and handling of organs of these animals (spleen, thymus, liver, brain, heart, lymph nodes, bone marrow, etc.), as well the acquisition and primary culture of their cells.
It will be possible for polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to be ordered and obtained (in this context, there are sufficient vectors transporting biological carrier molecules, which render the use of classic adjuvants unnecessary and enable antibodies against non-immunogenic molecules to be obtained, as well as the possibility of teaching each of the specific techniques mentioned, along with other more basic techniques, inherent to all Infectious Disease Animal Experimentation Units such as those of concern to us).