Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice
Published on: February 20, 2020
Potential of KM+ lectin in immunization against Leishmania amazonensis infection
Clarissa R Teixeira1, Karen A Cavassani, Regis B Gomes
1Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz-Fiocruz and Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Rua Waldemar Falcão 121, Salvador, BA 40295-001, Brazil.
Abstract:
In the present study we evaluated Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr), Pisum arvense (PAA) and Artocarpus integrifolia (KM+) lectins as immunostimulatory molecules in vaccination against Leishmania amazonensis infection. Although they induced IFN-gamma production, the combination of the lectins with SLA antigen did not lead to lesion reduction. However, parasite load was largely reduced in mice immunized with KM+ lectin and SLA. KM+ induced a smaller inflammatory reaction in the air pouch model and was able to inhibit differentiation of dendritic cells (BMDC), but to induce maturation by enhancing the expression of MHC II, CD80 and CD86. These observations indicate the modulatory role of plant lectins in leishmaniasis vaccination may be related to their action on the initial innate response.
Related Concept Videos
Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis
Malaria
