Host immune response against leishmaniasis and parasite persistence strategies: A review and assessment of recent research

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy Vol. 139; p. 111671
• Main Authors: Elmahallawy, Ehab Kotb, Alkhaldi, Abdulsalam A.M., Saleh, Amira A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.07.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Immune cell; Immune response; Leishmaniasis; Molecule; Parasite; Persistence; Persistence; Parasite; Molecule; Immune response; Leishmaniasis; Immune cell
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111671

Leishmaniasis, a neglected parasitic disease caused by a unicellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania, is transmitted through the bite of a female sandfly. The disease remains a major public health problem and is linked to tropical and subtropical regions, with an endemic picture in several regions, including East Africa, the Mediterranean basin and South America. The different causative species display a diversity of clinical presentations; therefore, the immunological data on leishmaniasis are both scarce and controversial for the different forms and infecting species of the parasite. The present review highlights the main immune parameters associated with leishmaniasis that might contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenicity of the parasite and the clinical outcomes of the disease. Our aim was to provide a concise overview of the immunobiology of the disease and the factors that influence it, as this knowledge may be helpful in developing novel chemotherapeutic and vaccine strategies. •Immune response against Leishmania is complex and controversial.•Several immune cells and major effector molecules regulate the immune response.•Coordinated contribution occurs between active and innate immune response.