Anti-IL-10 mAb protection against experimental visceral leishmaniasis via induction of Th1 cytokines and nitric oxide

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is characterized by severe immune suppression of the host. This suppression of the host immune system is primarily mediated by the immunosuppressive cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10), whose levels are significantly up-regulated during leishmaniasis. This immune suppression is reflected at the level of T-cell dysfunction and abrogation of leishmaniacidal molecules along with a dampened Th1 cytokine response. In the present study, we showed in vivo neutralization of IL-10 by administration of anti IL-10 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) could confer protection against leishmanial pathogenesis. This protective response was primarily mediated by a strong induction of T cell proliferation along with a Th1 biased cytokine response which was further aided by the generation of, leishmanicidal molecules, nitric oxide.