Maxadilan, the vasodilator/immunomodulator from Lutzomyia longipalpis sand fly saliva, stimulates haematopoiesis in mice.

Protozoal parasites of the genus Leishmania are transmitted to their vertebrate host within the saliva of the sand fly during a blood meal. The saliva of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis contains maxadilan, a potent vasodilator and immunomodulator. Maxadilan has been shown to enhance the virulence of L.