Leishmaniasis is endemic worldwide with more than 2 million new cases reported yearly [http://www.who.int/leishmaniasis/burden/en/]. The disease is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania, and is transmitted by a sand fly. Depending on the Leishmania species, the disease can have multiple outcomes ranging from localized cutaneous, diffuse cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The more benign form of disease (localized cutaneous leishmaniasis) is characterized by a protective immune response, whereas the more pathogenic forms are characterized by poor cellular immune responses permitting uncontrolled spread of the parasite, which can be fatal if left untreated. The current drug of choice has many side effects and recently reported as not being totally efficacious, with crescent parasite resistance being detected, especially in highly endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis.

Dr. Raja Gabaglia's Laboratory of Vaccine Research is currently studying the immune responses to this pathogen, by using animal models and human blood, to characterize proteins and peptides of this parasite relevant in a protective immune response. In animal models, it has been described an important protective role of pro-inflammatory T lymphocytes (Th-1) which secrete cytokines such as IFNgamma and TNFalpha, necessary for the killing of these parasites harbored inside macrophages. The microorganisms causing leishmaniasis, tuberculosis and leprae have in common that they are harbored inside the host cells. Because of this, antibody responses are of no use; only activated T cells can help to clear the infected cells and to control infection. Dr. Raja Gabaglia's lab studies the mechanisms by which to control these intracellular pathogens, how to activate the immune system in the polarized Th1 response and how an efficacious vaccine against this disease can be developed.

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