Cutaneous Leishmania infection: progress in pathogenesis research and experimental therapy.
Studies in murine experimental Leishmania major infection have helped to understand the requirements for efficient development of T helper (Th)1/cytotoxic T (Tc)1-mediated protection against the parasite. As such they have revealed that Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma R)I and Fc gamma RIII-mediated uptake of L. major amastigotes by dendritic cells (DC) is an important prerequisite for Th1 development. In addition, DC-derived cytokines contribute to adequate T-cell education. DC-based vaccines may thus provide an important tool for both the development of a prophylactic vaccine against leishmaniasis and - together with leishmanicidal drugs - for eliciting immune-deviating functions towards protective immunity in non-healing leishmaniasis. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of the role of DC for the induction of Th1/Tc1-predominant immunity against L. major and how this knowledge may translate into clinical approaches.
von Stebut
Esther
E
Department of Dermatology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. vonstebu@mail.uni-mainz.de
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D018320:Leishmania major / Q000254:growth & development*; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology*