Exploring the paradox of defense between host and Leishmania parasite

• Published in: International immunopharmacology 2022-01, Vol.102, p.108400-108400, Article 108400
• Main Authors: Kumari, Diksha, Singh, Kuljit
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomarkers; Chemotherapy; Effector cells; Host defense; Host-Parasite Interactions - immunology; Humans; Immune response; Immune system; Immunity, Cellular; Immunology; Infections; Leishmania; Leishmania - immunology; Leishmaniasis; Leishmaniasis - immunology; Neutrophils; Nitric oxide; Oxidants; Oxidizing agents; Paradoxes; Parasites; Parasitic diseases; ROS; Species; Tropical diseases; Ulcers; Vaccines; Vector-borne diseases
• ISSN: 1567-5769; 1878-1705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108400

•Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease and remains a global concern for the healthcare sector.•Different causative species exhibit various clinical manifestations ranging from skin ulcers to systemic infections.•Leishmaniaparasite modulates host immune responses to survive in a hostile host environment.•Understanding of immunological factors accountable for parasite survival within the host is crucial for unraveling novel therapies. Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, still remains a global concern for the healthcare sector. The primary causative agents of the disease comprise diverse leishmanial species, leading to recurring failures in disease diagnosis and delaying the initiation of appropriate chemotherapy. Various species of the Leishmania parasite cause diverse clinical manifestations ranging from skin ulcers to systemic infections. Therefore, host immunity in response to different forms of infecting species of Leishmania becomes pivotal in disease progression or regression. Thus, understanding the paradox of immune arsenals during host and parasite interface becomes crucial to eliminate this deadly disease. In the present review, we have elaborated on the immunological perspectives of the disease and discussed primary host immune cells that form a defense line to counteract parasite infection. Furthermore, we also have shed light on the immune cells and effector molecules responsible for parasite survival in host lethal milieu/ environment. Next, we have highlighted recent molecules/compounds showing potent leishmanicidal activities pertaining to their pro-oxidant and immuno-modulatory mechanisms. This review addresses an immuno-biological overview of the factors influencing the parasitic disease, as this knowledge can aid in the unraveling/ identification of potential biomarkers, novel therapeutics, and vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis.