Sleepy macrophages identified in L.major infection model through single cell ATAC sequencing
To understand the underlying mechanisms of host-parasite epigenetics in Leishmania major mediated infection, we have adopted and channelized strategies to identify novel targets, that may play crucial role in remodelling host chromatin architecture and lay an insight to develop better therapeutic regime. Our research suggests that the plasticity and phenotype of macrophages can be altered by parasite to express a cytokine profile involving IL-10 and IL-12, facilitated by the regulation of transcription factors and their target genes in infected macrophages. Using advanced techniques like single-cell ATAC sequencing and computational genomics, we have identified a distinct subset of macrophages termed "sleepy macrophages." These macrophages display downregulated housekeeping genes while expressing a unique set of variable features. This dataset serves as a valuable tool for understanding the intricate dynamics of the host-parasite interaction during Leishmania major infection.