Cytokine saga in visceral leishmaniasis

[Display omitted] •The review underpins the role and involvement of cytokines in pathogenesis of leishmaniasis.•Role of innate and adaptive immunity and regulation of immunomodulatory effects of cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of leishmaniasis is discussed.•Immunopathogenesis of leishmaniasis associated with Leishmania species, sandfly species and its geographical distribution is highlighted. In humans, infection with Leishmania manifests into a spectrum of diseases. The manifestation of the diseases depend on the resultant evasion of the parasite to immune responses namely by macrophages, which is an exclusive host of Leishmania. The B cells valiantly mount antibody responses, however, to no avail as the Leishmania parasites occupy the intracellular niches of the macrophages and subvert the immune response. Extensive studies have been documented on the role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in protection and counter survival strategies of the parasites leading to downregulation of CMI. The present review attempts to discuss the cytokines in progression or resolution of visceral form of leishmaniasis or kala-azar, predominantly affecting the Indian subcontinent. The components/cytokine(s) responsible for the regulation of the critical balance of T helper cells and their subsets have been discussed in the perspective. Therefore, any strategy involving the treatment of visceral leishmania (VL) needs to consider the balance and regulation of T cell function.