Transforming Growth Factor-β in Leishmanial Infection: a Parasite Escape Mechanism

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1636092
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T23:03:06Z
• Authors: Manoel Barral-Netto; Aldina Barral; Cari E. Brownell; Yasir A. W. Skeiky; Larry R. Ellingsw...; Daniel R. Twardzik; Steven G. Reed
• Keywords: Leishmania; 0301 basic medicine; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Base Sequence; Macrophages; Molecular Sequence Data; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Actins; 3. Good health; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Interferon-gamma; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Animals; Disease Susceptibility; Interleukin-4

The course of infection with the protozoan parasite Leishmania is determined in part by their early replication macrophages, exclusive host cells for these organisms. Although factors contributing to survival are not well understood, cytokines influence infection. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) a multipotential cytokine diverse effects on immune system, including down-regulation certain macrophage functions. Leishmanial induced production active TGF-β, both vitro and vivo. TGF-β was important determining vivo susceptibility experimental leishmanial