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Immunologic patterns associated with cure in human American cutaneous leishmaniasis

S G Coutinho1, A M Da-Cruz, A L Bertho

  • 1Laboratório de Imunidade Celular e Humoral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. coutinho@gene.dbbm.fiocruz.br

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research = Revista Brasileira De Pesquisas Medicas E Biologicas
|August 1, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Investigating American cutaneous leishmaniasis, this study found distinct T cell responses. Healed lesions show a beneficial pattern with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing gamma interferon (IFN-gamma).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • American cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with variable clinical outcomes.
  • Understanding the host immune response is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • T cell subsets and cytokine profiles play a significant role in leishmaniasis pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize T cell proliferative responses and cytokine production in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  • To compare immune responses during active disease versus healed lesions.
  • To identify immune correlates associated with disease resolution.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients were stimulated in vitro with Leishmania braziliensis antigens.
  • Lymphocyte proliferation assays were performed.
  • CD4 and CD8 T cell phenotypes were analyzed.
  • Cytokine levels (IFN-gamma and IL-4) in culture supernatants were measured using specific assays.

Main Results:

  • During active disease, a predominance of CD4+ T cells responded, producing a mixed pattern of Type 1 (IFN-gamma) and Type 2 (IL-4) cytokines.
  • In healed lesions, similar proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells responded.
  • Healed lesions were associated with Type 1 cytokine production (IFN-gamma) and minimal IL-4.

Conclusions:

  • The T cell response shifts during the course of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  • A Type 1 immune response involving both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells correlates with successful healing.
  • This pattern suggests a beneficial role for cell-mediated immunity in resolving cutaneous leishmaniasis.

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