3). Even though only IL-13 was directly correlated with IFN-γ, the concomitant increase in IL-12 and IL-4 suggests an up-regulation of expression of IL-13 cytokine, reflecting a complex regulatory role of the mixed cytokine profile that is conducive to a protective response in Leishmania-infected dogs ( Fig. 3). In conclusion, the findings reported in this study are pertinent to understanding the dynamics of the immunological events associated with clinical status and skin parasite density during ongoing CVL. It

has been demonstrated that inflammatory cytokine profiles, particularly those driven by IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-13, associated with enhanced expression of the GATA-3 transcription factor suggest that these genes Dabrafenib in vivo could be biomarkers for asymptomatic clinical forms in CVL. Moreover, IL-12 could play a protective Epacadostat clinical trial role against parasite replication. On the other hand, in order to guarantee the survival and persistence of amastigotes in the skin compartment, the establishment of a regulatory profile, triggered by an increase in the immunoregulatory

cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β, is crucial. The results indicate that a concomitant expression of mixed cytokines, without the necessity for an absolute polarised profile, can tilt the immune system toward either a progressive or protective response in CVL. An advance in our knowledge of the mechanism that determines the protective immune response to L. chagasi infection in dogs will permit the establishment to of a rational strategy for the development of vaccines and immunological therapies against CVL. The study was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brazil (PRONEX 2007). RCO, GCO, ABR, ATC and OAMF thank CNPq for fellowships. The authors wish to express their appreciation of the hard work carried out by the

staff of the Fundação Nacional da Saúde during the execution of this project. The authors are also grateful for the use of facilities at CEBIO, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and Rede Mineira de Bioterismo (FAPEMIG), and for support with the provision of experimental animals. “
“The identification of infectious agents in wild animals is not only crucial for the preservation of species but also provides valuable information regarding the epidemiological chain of diseases. This is particularly important with regard to members of the Cervidae, for example, whose natural habitat has been transformed significantly as a result of intense deforestation driven by the needs of farmers and cattle breeders. One consequence of such changes is that many cervids have started living in close proximity with domestic ruminants, hence favouring the interchange of infectious microorganisms between the populations.