Sex-Related Differences in Immune Response and Symptomatic Manifestations to Infection with Leishmania Species

Ryan D Lockard; Mary E Wilson; Nilda E Rodríguez

doi:10.1155/2019/4103819

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Sex-Related Differences in Immune Response and Symptomatic Manifestations to Infection with Leishmania Species

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Sex-Related Differences in Immune Response and Symptomatic Manifestations to Infection with Leishmania Species

Ryan D Lockard, Mary E Wilson and Nilda E Rodríguez

Journal of immunology research, Vol.2019, pp.1-14

01/10/2019

DOI: 10.1155/2019/4103819

PMCID: PMC6348913

PMID: 30756088

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Abstract

Worldwide, an estimated 12 million people are infected with Leishmania spp. and an additional 350 million are at risk of infection. Leishmania are intracellular parasites that cause disease by suppressing macrophage microbicidal responses. Infection can remain asymptomatic or lead to a spectrum of diseases including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis. Ultimately, the combination of both pathogen and host factors determines the outcome of infection. Leishmaniasis, as well as numerous other infectious diseases, exhibits sex-related differences that cannot be explained solely in terms of environmental exposure or healthcare access. Furthermore, transcriptomic evidence is revealing that biological sex is a variable impacting physiology, immune response, drug metabolism, and consequently, the progression of disease. Herein, we review the distribution, morbidity, and mortality among male and female leishmaniasis patients. Additionally, we discuss experimental findings and new avenues of research concerning sex-specific responses in cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The limitations of current therapies and the emergence of drug-resistant parasites underscore the need for new treatments that could harness the host immune response. As such, understanding the mechanisms driving the differential immune response and disease outcome of males versus females is a necessary step in the development of safer and more effective treatments against leishmaniasis.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Sex-Related Differences in Immune Response and Symptomatic Manifestations to Infection with Leishmania Species
Creators: Ryan D Lockard - Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, USA
Mary E Wilson - Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Nilda E Rodríguez - Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of immunology research, Vol.2019, pp.1-14
DOI: 10.1155/2019/4103819
PMID: 30756088
PMCID: PMC6348913
NLM abbreviation: J Immunol Res
ISSN: 2314-8861
eISSN: 2314-7156
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100011654, name: Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, award: 5I01BX001983, 2I01BX000536, R01 AI076233, P50 AI-30639
Language: English
Date published: 01/10/2019
Academic Unit: Microbiology and Immunology; International Programs; Epidemiology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984001220402771

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