Immunosuppression during Leishmania donovani infection: a potential target for the development of therapy.

Dysfunction of T-helper 1 mediated immune responses is a hallmark of the progression of visceral leishmaniosis (VL). Several factors such as altered antigen presentation, and abnormalities in MHC/HLA, antigen processing, and T cell receptor recognition regulate the onset of immunosuppression. Recent investigations on VL patients suggest that susceptibility to visceral leishmaniosis is genetically determined and varies between populations in different geographical locations. Emerging evidence also indicates the importance of the role played by myeloid derived suppressor cells in progressive VL. This study provides a mechanistic view of means to target the signaling mechanisms of immunosuppression to determine potential therapeutic interventions.