Development Of A Vaccine For Leishmania Major Infection

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Infection with Leishmania causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The type of Leishmania species infecting the host and the immune response generated by the host determines the spectrum of clinical disease that is seen. In particular, the pattern of cytokine production from T cells is critical for protection. At present there is no vaccine for Leishmania that is easy to administer, efficacious, and cost effective. Over the past year we developed new way to deliver vaccines using polymers and immune enhances that together lead to more robust immune responses but limits any toxicity.