The interface between the Leishmania-infected macrophage and the host's immune system.

The protozoan parasite Leishmania exploits the lysosomal compartment of the macrophages of its vertebrate host. Given that the macrophage is capable of killing the parasite if supplied with the correct stimulus from the host's immune system, the successful continuation of the infection is in the balance. This paper examines certain aspects of the Leishmania/macrophage interplay, with particular emphasis on the nature of defined protective antigens, and of the interface between the infected macrophage and the host's immune system.