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The multifaceted role of cAMP signalling in Leishmania pathogenesis and host immune modulation

Tapasi Das1, Pronay Brahmachari1, Pijush K Das2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.

Cellular Signalling
|June 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is crucial for Leishmania survival, modulating host defenses and parasite replication. Targeting cAMP pathways offers a promising strategy for treating leishmaniasis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Parasitology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) acts as a key second messenger in diverse cellular functions.
  • Leishmania parasites manipulate host and parasite cAMP signaling to ensure survival and persistence.
  • Understanding cAMP's role is vital for comprehending Leishmania pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of cAMP signaling in Leishmania pathogenesis.
  • To elucidate how Leishmania exploits cAMP to modulate host immune responses.
  • To highlight therapeutic strategies targeting cAMP pathways for leishmaniasis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review consolidating current research on cAMP signaling in Leishmania.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying parasite-mediated cAMP modulation.
  • Exploration of cAMP's impact on host defense, parasite differentiation, and replication.

Main Results:

  • Leishmania utilizes cAMP to suppress host immune responses, including antioxidant enzyme expression and inflammatory cytokine production.
  • Parasite-derived cAMP influences apoptosis, immune suppression, and facilitates long-term persistence.
  • Leishmania's endogenous cAMP pathway regulates its differentiation and replication within the host.

Conclusions:

  • cAMP signaling is central to Leishmania pathogenesis, enabling immune evasion and parasite persistence.
  • Targeting cAMP pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue for developing novel anti-leishmaniasis treatments.
  • Further research into cAMP modulation can lead to more effective interventions against leishmaniasis.
Keywords:
ApoptosisInflammationLeishmaniaMacrophageOxidative stresscAMP

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