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Cutaneous Leishmania infection: progress in pathogenesis research and experimental therapy
Author(s) -
Von Stebut Esther
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2007.00554.x
Subject(s) - immunology , leishmania , amastigote , immunity , immune system , leishmania major , cutaneous leishmaniasis , leishmaniasis , medicine , cytotoxic t cell , biology , parasite hosting , in vitro , biochemistry , world wide web , computer science
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 γ receptor (Fc γ R)I and Fc γ 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.