Arginase I induction during Leishmania major infection mediates the development of disease.

In a previous work, we demonstrated that the induction of arginase I favored the replication of Leishmania inside macrophages. Now we have analyzed the differential expression of this enzyme in the mouse model of L. major infection.

Arginase I induction in macrophages, triggered by Th2-type cytokines, supports the growth of intracellular Leishmania parasites.

Leishmania spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites that invade and replicate within macrophages. In a previous report, we have demonstrated that the growth of intracellular amastigotes could be controlled by inhibition of arginase.