The Cellular Biology Laboratory (LBC) of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz), created in 1990, investigates immunobiological aspects of the host-parasite interaction, being a reference for the development of new experimental chemotherapy strategies with emphasis on neglected diseases caused by trypanosomatids, including T. cruzi.

The Laboratory develops studies within three macroprojects: 

 1. Approaches vitro, in silico e in vivo about mechanisms involved in parasite: cell interaction and candidates for new therapeutic alternatives for neglected tropical diseases; 

2. Cellular, molecular and biochemical aspects of the interaction of trypanosomatids with their vertebrate and invertebrate hosts: challenges in prospecting for new drugs and biomarkers; 

3. Clinical, behavioral and pathophysiological characterization in biomodels aiming at the development of preclinical tests in the area of ​​parasitology, neoplasms, ischemia and neurological pathologies.

LBC also offers potential for the application of new approaches with anti-inflammatory and antitumor agents, in addition to presenting a relevant line of investigation related to the mechanisms and stimuli involved in the induction of different cell death pathways (in particular type I programmed cell death - apoptosis) of trypanosomatids and mammalian cells.

The Laboratory participates in the management of the Integrated Program for Chagas Disease of the Fiocruz (PIDC - Network 1), promotes education and professional training actions and integrates international networks for the development and identification of trypanocidal and leishmanicidal candidates (CPDD - Consortium For Parasitic Drug Development and ResNet NPND - Research Network Natural Porducts against Neglected Diseases).

LBC members actively work on Institutional projects in Committees and Commissions (including the Internship Commission of the IOC, the Internal Biosafety Commission of the IOC and the Selection Committee - PIBIC/Fiocruz), as well as Nationals, including the Teaching Commission of the Brazilian Society for Laboratory Animal Science (SBCAC/COBEA).

Head of the Cell Biology Laboratory 
Maria de Nazaré Correia Soeiro (Curriculum lattes) 

Deputy head of the Cell Biology Laboratory 
Rubem FS Menna-Barreto (Curriculum lattes)