Chemokines in host-parasite interactions in leishmaniasis

Crucial to the defense against leishmaniasis is the ability of the host to mount a cell-mediated immune response capable of controlling and/or eliminating the parasite. Cell recruitment to the site of infection is essential to the development of the host cellular immune response. The process is controlled by chemokines, which are chemotactic cytokines produced by leukocytes and tissue cells.