Genetic and functional evaluation of the role of DLL1 in susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis in India

► Chromosome 6q26-27 is linked to susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis. ► Delta-like 1 ligand (DLL1) for Notch 3 was implicated as the etiological gene. ► Here we find genetic association with DLL1 for L. donovani in India. ► DLL1 is the only 6q27 gene differentially expressed in spleen before treatment. ► DLL1 is a determinant of visceral leishmaniasis across continents/parasite species.