THE INTERACTION OF LEISHMANIA SPECIES WITH MACROPHAGES

Although there are several reports of Leishmania parasitizing cells other than macrophages or even existing extracellularly in mammalian tissue, it is generally acknowledged that in the vertebrate host these organisms normally reside within cells of the macrophage lineage. The first description of this particular host cell–parasite interaction can probably be attributed to Cunningham, who examined biopsy material, stained with gentian violet, from a patient with “Delhi boil.” Given the now well-documented multifaceted role of macrophages in the immune response, the parasite's interplay with its host cell poses many intriguing problems for researchers. This chapter intends to update the progress that has been made in recent years in understanding the biology of the leishmania–macrophage interaction and how the parasite can attach to and enter the host cell and survive in the intracellular environment. The chapter also discusses the implications of these interactions in the induction of specific immune responses and on disease progression. It also describes those areas where future research may be of value in the rational development of new chemical and immunological therapies and vaccines. © 1992, Academic Press Limited