Interferon‐γ‐ and Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α‐Producing Cells in Humans who are Immune to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Individuals infected with Leishmania major usually acquire immunity to cutaneous leishmaniasis. In this study we have investigated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by Leishmania antigens in two groups of Sudanese individuals, one with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis and one living in an area without the disease. The production of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 was investigated in culture supernatants, and the cellular sources of IFN-γ and TNF-α were identified. Cells from individuals with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis produced significantly higher levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α than cells from individuals without a history of the disease. Similar levels of IL-10 were found in the two groups. Flow cytometric analysis revealed high numbers of CD3+ cells producing IFN-γ and TNF-α, and only a few CD3+ cells containing IL-10, in the PBMC cultures from the individuals with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Interferon-γ and TNF-α were predominantly produced by CD4+ T cells rather than CD8+ T cells. The results suggest that cellular immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis is mediated predominantly through antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in individuals with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit: