# MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTE KILLING OF LEISHMANIA PARASITES

> **NIH NIH R01** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 1988 · $233,249

## Abstract

The objectives of this project are to (a) extend our analysis of how
Leishmania donovani achieves its state of intracellular parasitism, and
thus, causes persistent visceral infection, and (b) determine what cellular
immune mechanisms are available to the host to control or eradicate
visceral leishmaniasis.  To accomplish these two long-term objectives,
whose ultimate intent is to improve the treatment of patients with
leishmaniasis, we will examine host-parasite interaction at the cellular
and tissue level and at the level of the intact animal host.  The specific
aims of this project are to (1) determine the source and role of interferon
(IFN)-gamma and interleukin 2 (IL2) in macrophage activation in
experimental visceral leishmaniasis, (2) analyze the cellular immune
response to L. donovani at tissue (granuloma) level, (3) determine how
suppressor cell mechanisms provoked by L. donovani infection inhibit the
cellular immune response and T cell secretion of IFN-gamma and IL2, and
thus, prevent macrophage activation and leishmanicidal activity, (4) test
the in vitro efficacy and tissue effects of treatment with IFN-gamma, IL2
and indomethacin (antisuppressor) agent in experimental visceral
leishmaniasis, and finally (5) determine if immunotherapy (with IFN-gamma
or IL2) can act synergistically in vivo with antileishmanial chemotherapy
to achieve superior therapeutic results.  These studies and models have
been designed to address key but as yet unresolved immunopathogenetic
issues in leishmaniasis.  We anticipate that the proposed detailed
analysis, to be conducted at the cellular, tissue, and intact-host levels,
will provide a sound and rationale basis for approaching the future
pharmacologic or immunologic management of world-wide infections caused by
L. donovani, other strains of Leishmania, and other intracellular pathogens
as well.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126943
- **Project number:** 5R01AI016963-09
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YNT8TCJH8FQ8
- **Principal Investigator:** HENRY W. MURRAY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $233,249
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-09-30 → 1989-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126943

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126943, MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTE KILLING OF LEISHMANIA PARASITES (5R01AI016963-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126943. Licensed CC0.

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