Cytokine gene expression in healing and non-healing cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in response to in vitro stimulation with recombinant gp63 using semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

Objectives of this study were to test the cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cases with nonhealing and healing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in response to in vitro stimulation of recombinant gp63 (rgp63) and soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA). Healing and nonhealing cases are, respectively, defined as recovered from disease and refractory to various treatments. To evaluate the type of immunological response, mRNA transcription level for interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were determined using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique in PBMCs of these volunteers. The results clearly demonstrated a high level of IL-4 expression in nonhealing cases of CL and a low expression level of transcripts for IFN-gamma and IL-12. In contrast, a high level of IFN-gamma and IL-12 expression and a low level of IL-4 and IL-10 expression were detected in the healing cases. These findings not only support the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in the inducing predominant profile in healing and nonhealing cases, but it may also show the potential of rgp63 as a proper immunogen which might induce protective responses.