FVB/NJ strain as a mouse model for cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.

Background: Leishmaniases encompass a spectrum of neglected diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, grouped in two forms: tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis.

Objectives: In this study, we propose Friend Virus B NIH Jackson (FVB/NJ) mouse strain as a new experimental model of infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, the second most prevalent agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil.

Methods And Findings: We performed in vitro infections of FVB/NJ macrophages and compared them with BALB/c macrophages, showing that BALB/c cells have higher infection percentages and a higher number of amastigotes/cell.

LaLRR17 increases parasite entry in macrophage by a mechanism dependent on GRP78.

Leishmaniases affect 12 million people worldwide. They are caused by spp., protozoan parasites transmitted to mammals by female phlebotomine flies.