Leishmania major MAP kinase 10 is protective against experimental L. major infection

Leishmania, a protozoan parasite that resides and replicates obligatorily within macrophages, inflicts a complex of severe diseases known as leishmaniasis. The diseases have significant socio-economic impact through gross disfiguration, morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite these problems, an effective anti-leishmanial vaccine remains elusive. Herein, we have analyzed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of L. major MAP kinase 10 (LmjMAPK10) against the challenge infection with the parasite. We observe significant protection against the infection by LmjMAPK10 priming of BALB/c mouse strain, a susceptible host. The resistance to the infection is generally associated with mixed Th1/Th2 responses to the infection following immunization with LmjMAPK10 DNA or protein or a combination of both DNA and protein. Therefore, LmjMAPK10 is a probable vaccine candidate against the infection.