Alterations in monocyte subsets and cytokine production after TLR activation in American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Phenotypic and functional aspects of monocytes from Localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (LCL) patients were evaluated. The frequencies of monocyte subsets and TLR2/TLR4 expression were evaluated in fresh peripheral blood whereas cytokine production was evaluated in whole blood cell cultures stimulated with TLR agonists or Leishmania braziliensis antigen (Ag). CD16 monocytes frequency was increased in patients compared with controls.

Platelet-activating factor increases reactive oxygen species-mediated microbicidal activity of human macrophages infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is produced by macrophages during inflammation and infections. We evaluated whether PAF is able to modulate the infection of human macrophages by Leishmania braziliensis, the main Leishmania sp. in Brazil.

In vitro metacyclogenesis of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis clinical field isolates, as evaluated by morphology, complement resistance, and infectivity to human macrophages.

This study was designed to assess in vitro metacyclogenesis of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis clinical field isolates obtained from patient lesions (L. braziliensis IMG3 and PPS6m; L. amazonensis MAB6).

Essential role of leukotriene B4 on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis killing by human macrophages.

Although Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the most prevalent species that cause American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), the immune response against this parasite has been poorly investigated. Upon activation, macrophages produce a series of pro-inflammatory molecules, including the lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4). LTB4 has been shown to enhance several macrophage functions, but its role in human macrophages is less known.