by Lafleur A, Daffis S, Mowbray C, Arana B. Vaccines 2024, 12(10):1179. doi: 10.3390/vaccines12101179
Summary: Current systemic treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), including pentavalent antimonials and miltefosine, are associated with significant toxicity and reduced efficacy, and are frequently ineffective in severe or chronic CL. Immunotherapies offer a promising adjunct or alternative approach, but the heterogeneous clinical presentation of CL adds complexity. The authors of this review explore the clinical and immunological characteristics of CL, emphasizing the current landscape of immunotherapies in in vivo models and clinical studies. Immune-based interventions aim to modulate immune responses against the causative agent Leishmania, enabling lower drug doses and reducing toxicity. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie immunotherapy for CL will facilitate the development of safer and more effective treatments for CL.