IFN-gamma detection after Leishmania antigen stimulation in PBMC felines from endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal zoonosis that has been on the rise in recent years. Similarly, the number of cases of feline leishmaniasis is on the rise worldwide. The majority of infected felines present subclinical disease, and unlike dogs, felines seem to control parasitemia and show resistance to the disease. The immune response plays an important role in the course of Leishmania infection in dogs, in this species cellular immunity when generated is capable of promoting parasitemia control, however few studies have investigated cellular immunity in felines. The aim of this study is to compare serum levels of IFN-gamma, the main cytokine that activates macrophage action against intracellular parasites, in asymptomatic cats infected with Leishmania spp. and uninfected cats. In addition, the production of IFN-gamma in the culture supernatant of mononuclear cells from uninfected felines after stimulation with Leishmania infantum antigens will also be evaluated. The results could shed light on whether IFN-Gamma plays a regulatory role in feline leishmaniasis.