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Updated: Nov 21, 2025

In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 27, 2010
Understanding the immune responses involved in mediating protection or immunopathology during leishmaniasis
Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez1, Greta Volpedo1,2, Chaitenya Verma1
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, U.S.A.
Abstract:
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) transmitted by the sand fly and is a major public health problem worldwide. Infections caused by Leishmania clinically manifest as a wide range of diseases, such as cutaneous (CL), diffuse cutaneous (DCL), mucosal (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The host innate and adaptative immune responses play critical roles in the defense against leishmaniasis. However, Leishmania parasites also manipulate the host immune response for their survival and replication. In addition, other factors such as sand fly salivary proteins and microbiota also promote disease susceptibility and parasite spread by modulating local immune response. Thus, a complex interplay between parasite, sand fly and the host immunity governs disease severity and outcome. In this review, we discuss the host immune response during Leishmania infection and highlight the factors associated with resistance or susceptibility.
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