Cutaneous Leishmania infection: progress in pathogenesis research and experimental therapy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice
Published on: February 20, 2020
1Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. vonstebu@mail.uni-mainz.de
Studies in murine experimental Leishmania major infection have helped to understand the requirements for efficient development of T helper (Th)1/cytotoxic T (Tc)1-mediated protection against the parasite. As such they have revealed that Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma R)I and Fc gamma RIII-mediated uptake of L. major amastigotes by dendritic cells (DC) is an important prerequisite for Th1 development. In addition, DC-derived cytokines contribute to adequate T-cell education. DC-based vaccines may thus provide an important tool for both the development of a prophylactic vaccine against leishmaniasis and - together with leishmanicidal drugs - for eliciting immune-deviating functions towards protective immunity in non-healing leishmaniasis. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of the role of DC for the induction of Th1/Tc1-predominant immunity against L. major and how this knowledge may translate into clinical approaches.
Studies in murine experimental Leishmania major infection have helped to understand the requirements for efficient development of T helper (Th)1/cytotoxic T (Tc)1-mediated protection against the parasite. As such they have revealed that Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma R)I and Fc gamma RIII-mediated uptake of L. major amastigotes by dendritic cells (DC) is an important prerequisite for Th1 development. In addition, DC-derived cytokines contribute to adequate T-cell education. DC-based vaccines may thus provide an important tool for both the development of a prophylactic vaccine against leishmaniasis and - together with leishmanicidal drugs - for eliciting immune-deviating functions towards protective immunity in non-healing leishmaniasis. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of the role of DC for the induction of Th1/Tc1-predominant immunity against L. major and how this knowledge may translate into clinical approaches.
Related Concept Videos
Leishmaniasis
Antiprotozoal Agents
American Trypanosomiasis

