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Chronic infection by Leishmania amazonensis mediated through MAPK ERK mechanisms
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Chronic infection by Leishmania amazonensis mediated through MAPK ERK mechanisms

Pedro A Martinez and Christine A Petersen
Immunologic research, Vol.59(1-3), pp.153-165
08/2014
DOI: 10.1007/s12026-014-8535-y
PMCID: PMC4686340
PMID: 24838145

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Abstract

Leishmania amazonensis is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). CL is a neglected tropical disease responsible for infecting millions of people worldwide. L. amazonensis promotes alteration of various signaling pathways that are essential for host cell survival. Specifically, through parasite-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), L. amazonensis inhibits cell-mediated parasite killing and promotes its own survival by co-opting multiple host cell functions. In this review, we highlight Leishmania-host cell signaling alterations focusing on those specific to (1) motor proteins, (2) prevention of NADPH subunit phosphorylation impairing reactive oxygen species production, and (3) localized endosomal signaling to up-regulate ERK phosphorylation. This review will focus upon mechanisms and possible explanations as to how Leishmania spp. evades the various layers of defense employed by the host immune response.
Endosomes - immunology Endosomes - parasitology Humans Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous - pathology Host-Parasite Interactions - immunology Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous - immunology MAP Kinase Signaling System - immunology Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases - immunology Animals Portraits as Topic Leishmania - physiology Phosphorylation - immunology Chronic Disease

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