Cytokines and splenic remodelling during Leishmania donovani infection. Issue 4 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montes de Oca, Marcela; Engwerda, Christian R.; Kaye, Paul M.
• Is Part Of: Cytokine. Volume 2:Issue 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Cytokines -- Spleen -- Remodelling -- Signalling -- Pathology -- Inflammation -- PALS -- White pulp -- Red pulp -- Vasculature -- Follicles
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-1532

Abstract

Highlights: Visceral leishmaniasis leads to extensive remodelling of splenic microarchitecture. Splenomegaly is associated with compartmentalised vascular remodelling. Alterations in white pulp stromal cells affects leucocyte segregation. Splenic remodelling involves multiple cytokines from diverse cellular sources. Understanding splenic remodelling may lead to new therapeutic interventions. Abstract: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) causes extensive splenic pathology that contributes to dysfunctional immune responses, in part through displacement and destruction of cell populations involved in maintaining splenic structural integrity. The expression of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is crucial in orchestrating the delicate balance that exists between host resistance and tissue pathology. In an effort to restore homeostatic balance to the local microenvironment, remodelling of the splenic architecture occurs in a compartmentalised manner to retain some level of functionality, despite persistent inflammatory pressures. Animal models of VL as well as human studies have significantly contributed to our understanding of the architectural changes that occur in the spleen during VL. Here, we review the role of cytokines in mediating microarchitectural changes associated with the development of splenomegaly during VL.