Regulation of macrophage subsets and cytokine production in leishmaniasis

•Macrophages are the main host cell for Leishmania.•Macrophages produce few cytokines after infection.•Leishmania subvert macrophage armory against pathogens.•Differently activated macrophages cause control of parasite growth or pathology. Macrophages are host cells for parasites of the genus Leishmania where they multiply inside parasitophorous vacuoles. Paradoxically, macrophages are also the cells responsible for killing or controlling parasite growth, if appropriately activated. In this review, we will cover the patterns of macrophage activation and the mechanisms used by the parasite to circumvent being killed. We will highlight the impacts of the vector bite on macrophage activation. Finally, we will discuss the ontogeny of macrophages that are infected by Leishmania spp.