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Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Quantification of Intracellular Growth Inside Macrophages is a Fast and Reliable Method for Assessing the Virulence of Leishmania Parasites
Published on: March 16, 2018
Regulation of macrophage subsets and cytokine production in leishmaniasis
M B Carneiro1, L G Vaz2, L C C Afonso3
1Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada.
Abstract:
Macrophages are host cells for parasites of the genus Leishmania where they multiply inside parasitophorous vacuoles. Paradoxically, macrophages are also the cells responsible for killing or controlling parasite growth, if appropriately activated. In this review, we will cover the patterns of macrophage activation and the mechanisms used by the parasite to circumvent being killed. We will highlight the impacts of the vector bite on macrophage activation. Finally, we will discuss the ontogeny of macrophages that are infected by Leishmania spp.
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