Role of Cytokines in Experimental and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is the most fatal form of disease leishmaniasis. To date, there are no effective prophylactic measures and therapeutics available against VL. Recently, new immunotherapy-based approaches have been established for the management of VL. Cytokines, which are predominantly produced by helper T cells (Th) and macrophages, have received great attention that could be an effective immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of human VL. Cytokines play a key role in forming the host immune response and in managing the formation of protective and non-protective immunities during infection. Furthermore, immune response mediated through different cytokines varies from different host or animal models. Various cytokines viz. IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-alpha play an important role during protection, while some other cytokines viz. IL-10, IL-6, IL-17, TGF-beta, and others are associated with disease progression. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of cytokine response and their interaction with various immune cells is very crucial to determine appropriate immunotherapies for VL. Here, we have discussed the role of cytokines involved in VL disease progression or host protection in different animal models and humans that will determine the clinical outcome of VL and open the path for the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic interventions against VL.

Automated summary

Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune response to VL, affecting the formation of protective and non-protective immunities during infection. Understanding the interaction between cytokine response and various immune cells is essential for developing appropriate immunotherapies against VL. Different cytokines have varying effects on disease progression or host protection in different animal models and humans, influencing the clinical outcomes and potential diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for VL.