The role of the immune system in resistance to infection

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a spectrum of diseases with clinical symptoms ranging in severity from skin lesions to serious disfigurement and fatal systemic infection. The outcome of infection depends on the parasite species as well as host genetic factors and immune competence. In order to develop a successful infection, Leishmania must evade both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Whilst protective immunity has been driven by Th1-type T cell responses, the role of Th2-type cytokines is not entirely clear, although it has been implicated in susceptibility to leishmaniasis. A successful treatment of all the forms of leishmaniasis depends on efficient elimination of parasites by activated macropha..