Immune Response and Vaccine Strategies in Leishmaniasis: Insights and Challenges
Angel Justiz-Vaillant *
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medical Sciences. University of the West indiess. 330912, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Rodolfo Arozarena-Fundora
Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, North Central Regional Health Authority, Champs Fleurs 00000, Trinidad and Tobago and Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 00000, Trinidad and Tobago.
Darren Gopaul
Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
Chandrashekhar Unakal
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 330912, Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Sachin Soodeen
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 330912, Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Reinand Thompson
Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 330912, Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
Odalis Asin-Milan
Independent Researcher, Laval, QC H7E 2Z8, Canada.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, comprising cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral forms, is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species via sandfly bites, leading to skin ulcers and mucosal damage. Traditional treatments include antiparasitic drugs such as pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, and miltefosine, with immunotherapy and chemotherapy being explored for enhanced efficacy and reduced relapse. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) balances IFN-γ and IL-10, affecting severity, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) shows varied IFN-γ/IL- 10 ratios influencing prognosis. Cytokines and chemokines are diagnostic and prognostic markers in CL. Research into neutrophils and the NLRP3 inflammasome informs Th1/Th2 response regulation. Live attenuated LdCen-/- parasites and genetically modified vaccines show promise, with miR-21 as a potential efficacy biomarker. Understanding cytokine networks is crucial for new treatment strategies.
Keywords: Leishmaniasis, immune system, vaccines, cytokines, biomarkers