Human sand fly challenge elicits saliva-specific innate and T_H1-polarized immunity that promotes <i>Leishmania</i> killing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Leishmania-endemic areas, humans are chronically exposed to the bites of vector sand flies, whose immunogenic salivary proteins modulate host immunity. The immune consequences of this chronic antigenic exposure remain poorly understood.

Objective

To characterize bite-induced rash and cytokine responses to sand fly salivary proteins in humans chronically exposed to Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas.

Methods

We conducted a controlled human vector challenge study, exposing 15 healthy volunteers to Lutzomyia longipalpis bites multiple times over a year. We assessed bite site skin reactions and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with salivary gland extract or two immunogeni

SUBMITTER: Abdeladhim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11974753 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature