科研之友
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摘要
Leishmania (Viannia) organisms are the most prevalent etiologic agents of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the immunological mechanisms exploited by L. (Viannia) organisms remains limited and the mechanisms underlying disease are not well understood. Here, we report the development of a BALB/c mouse model of L. (V) panamensis infection that is able to reproduce chronic disease, with persistent infection and clinically evident lesions for over 1 year. The immune response of the mouse resembles that found for L. (V.) panamensis-infected patients with chronic and recurrent lesions, presenting a mixed Th1/Th2 response with the presence of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-10 and IL-13. Using immunodeficient mice, the critical role for IL-13 and/or IL-4R alpha in determining susceptibility to chronic infection was evident. With the induction of healing in the immunodeficient mice, increases in IFN-gamma, and IL-17 were found, concomitant with parasite control and elimination. Specifically, increases in CD4(+) (but not CD8(+)) T cells producing IFN-gamma were observed. These results suggest that IL-13 represents an important target for disease control of L. (V.) panamensis infection. This murine model should be useful to further understand the pathology associated with chronic disease and to develop methods for the treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis caused by L. (Viannia) parasites.
- 出版日期2010-10
