Identification of TLR inducing Th1-responsive Leishmania donovani amastigote-specific antigens

Leishmania is known to elicit Th2 response that causes leishmaniasis progression; on the other hand, Th1 cytokines restricts amastigote growth and disease progression. In this study, we report the potential of two leishmanial antigens (65 and 98 kDa, in combination) which enhance strong macrophage effector functions, viz., production of respiratory burst enzymes, nitric oxide, and Th1 cytokines. The identification of antigens were done by resolving the crude soluble antigens on SDS-PAGE and eluted by reverse staining method. Further, RAW264.7 macrophages were challenged with eluted antigens, and the innate immune response was observed by detecting respiratory burst enzymes, nitric oxide (NOx), TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, toll-like receptors (TLRs) gene expression, and TLR-signaling proteins. These antigens increased the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, superoxide dismutase, NOx, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, TLR2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These antigens also induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation and Th1 cytokine production. This study concludes that these antigens induce innate immune response as well as have prophylactic efficacy.