Expression of infection-related genes in parasites and host during murine experimental infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

► Expression of molecules by hosts and parasites define infection outcome. ► MHCs mRNA expression was measured in mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis. ► Parasites cysteine-proteinases (CPs) mRNA expression was concomitantly measured. ► Distinct mice strains present distinct MHC expression profiles during infection. ► The mice strain influences CPs expression in the infecting parasites.