Immune response to Leishmania infection

Abstract

Antileishmanial immune response is shown to be host genotype dependent so that some inbred strains of mouse are susceptible while others are resistant. The resistance is conferred by T-helper type-1 (Th1) cells while the susceptibility is conferred by Th2 cells. Th1 cells secrete IL-2 and IFN-gamma but Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10. It has been shown that IFN-gamma activates macrophages to express iNOS2, the enzyme catalyzing the formation of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide kills the intracellular amastigotes. In contrast, Th2 immune response limits the action of Th1 functions via IL-10 and IL-4, which deactivate macrophages helping intracellular parasite growth and disease progression. Being a parasite, Leishmania ensures its own survival by modulating host immune system either by inducing immunosuppression or by promoting pro-parasitic host functions. A detailed knowledge of this host-parasite interaction would help in designing prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against this infection.