title: The innate immune response against Leishmania parasites.
abstract: Parasites of the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis. The parasite species and host genetic factors determine the quality of the immune response and thereby the outcome of the infection. Here, we summarize previously published and present novel data on several aspects of the early innate immune reaction to Leishmania (L.) major, L. braziliensis and L. infantum, which cause cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis, respectively. We will focus on (1) the effector molecules that contribute to the control of the parasite in the skin, lymph nodes and/or spleen; and (2) on the pattern recognition receptors (Toll-like receptors, TLRs), cell types (myeloid dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells), cytokines (IL-12, IFN-alpha/beta), and signaling pathways (Tyk2 kinase) that are necessary for the initial sensing of the parasites and the subsequent development of an efficient NK cell response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liese
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schleicher
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bogdan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D007372:Interferons / Q000378:metabolism; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000469:parasitology*; D007891:Leishmania / Q000378:metabolism*; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000469:parasitology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008954:Models, Biological; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D007372:Interferons