Experimental murine leishmaniasis and the Th1/Th2 cell concept.

Herein, the current knowledge about the immune response during murine cutaneous leishmaniasis is summarized. Special regard is given to the characteristics and generation of Th1 and Th2 cells during this disease. Originally established on the basis of different cytokines produced by T cell clones, it is now known that the Th1/Th2 concept really defines totally different immune pathways that affect most, if not all cells of the immune system. Murine experimental leishmaniasis was the first model to confirm the relevance of the Th1/Th2 concept in vivo. In particular, data from this laboratory will be presented on the role of different IL-4 receptor allotypes, on the role of the transcription factor interferon-regulatory-factor-1 (IRF-1) and the importance of the enzyme inducible NO synthase (iNOS). This work was supported by the SFB 263 and the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie.