About this Research Topic
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania. It affects people and animals worldwide and can be broadly divided into visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) forms. Human VL is characterized by depressed cell-mediated immunity and decreased Th1 immune response. Also, VL is associated with increased production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Human CL caused by Leishmania braziliensis is characterized by an exacerbated cellular immune response and scarce numbers of parasites in the lesions. The presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-g and TNF, are important for the control of parasite proliferation, but total elimination of Leishmania does not occur and an exaggerated Th1 immune response has been associated with the severe inflammation and pathology.
The pentavalent antimony is the first-line drug for leishmaniasis treatment. However, new and improved therapies are required to reduce pentavalent antimony toxicity in patients and combat parasite drug resistance.
The goal of this Research Topic is to get a deeper insight into the mechanisms of the innate and adaptive immune responses that are associated with the pathogenesis of human VL and CL as this may identify novel strategies that could be used to treat the disease.
This Research Topic welcomes manuscripts focusing on immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of human VL and CL, such as the role of molecules and cells of the innate and adaptive immune response that are associated with failure in the treatment of the disease. We hope to contribute to the identification of new targets, which could lead to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against Leishmania.
Human CL caused by Leishmania braziliensis is characterized by an exacerbated cellular immune response and scarce numbers of parasites in the lesions. The presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-g and TNF, are important for the control of parasite proliferation, but total elimination of Leishmania does not occur and an exaggerated Th1 immune response has been associated with the severe inflammation and pathology.
The pentavalent antimony is the first-line drug for leishmaniasis treatment. However, new and improved therapies are required to reduce pentavalent antimony toxicity in patients and combat parasite drug resistance.
The goal of this Research Topic is to get a deeper insight into the mechanisms of the innate and adaptive immune responses that are associated with the pathogenesis of human VL and CL as this may identify novel strategies that could be used to treat the disease.
This Research Topic welcomes manuscripts focusing on immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of human VL and CL, such as the role of molecules and cells of the innate and adaptive immune response that are associated with failure in the treatment of the disease. We hope to contribute to the identification of new targets, which could lead to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against Leishmania.
Keywords: Leishmania, Immune response, Immunopathogenesis, Human Leishmaniasis, Host response
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