Comparison of the Immune Profile of Nonhealing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients with Those with Active Lesions and Those Who Have Recovered from Infection

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Abstract
Th1-type cellular immune responses play a critical role in protection against infection withLeishmaniaparasites, whereas activation of Th2-type cells results in progressive disease. Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania majoris often a self-healing disease; however, persistent nonhealing forms are also known. In the present study, we have described cell-mediated immune responses in nonhealing patients by measuring T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, and phenotypic characterization of these cells. The responses were compared with those of patients with active lesions, patients who had recovered from infection, and healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with active lesions and recovered donors proliferated vigorously and produced Th1-type cytokine when stimulated withL. majorantigens, whereas in nonhealing patients the proliferative responses were significantly lower and showed a Th2-type response toLeishmaniaantigens. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production was not a feature ofL. majorstimulation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed thatL. majorantigen induced proliferation of the CD4-positive population and that these cells were the major source of gamma interferon and IL-4. These results show a distinct dichotomy in the cytokine response toL. majorinfection.