Fig. 8

2-BP treatment during metacyclogenesis alters Trypanosoma cruzi host cell infectivity. a Number of released cell-culture trypomastigotes (CTL and 2-BP-treated groups) after Vero cell infection, showing a reduction of approximately 45.5% to 75% for the treated groups when compared to the control parasites. n = 3, ***: p < 0.001. Released cell-culture trypomastigotes (CTL and 2-BP-treated groups) as visualized by light microscopy showing morphological alterations, such as smaller size and round nucleus, compared to the control parasites. n: nucleus; k: kinetoplast. Bars = 5 μm. b Localization of TcFCaBP of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes released from Vero cells infected with 2-BP-treated metacyclic trypomastigotes (pre-stress group). CTL: Negative control showing a strong labeling in the flagellum. 2-BP: Treated parasites showing cellular (arrowhead) and partial flagellar (arrow) labeling. n: nucleus; k: kinetoplast; f: flagellum. Bars = 5 μm