Evaluation of protective effect of IL-22 and IL-12 on cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of IL-22 and IL-12 on cutaneous leishmaniasisin BALB/c mice.Methods:The protective effect of IL-22 and IL-I2 on cutaneous leishmanias in BALB/c mice was evaluated by measurement of IL-4.INF-γ.total IgG,IgG1 and IgG2 a after challenge with Leishamania major.Clinical evaluations were performed by measurement of lesion diameter,and survival rate of the mice.Results:In week 27 post infection,the mortality rates for control groups were 100%.While the survival rates for the IL-12.IL-12 + IL-22.and IL-22(5 ng/g) groups were 100%.The size of lesions decreased in the presence IL-22(5 ng/g) of mice weight,which was statistically significant in comparison with other groups(P<0.05).Mean of total IgG,IgG1 and IgG2 a for IL-22(5 ng/g) group was more than other groups.In IL-22 group(5 ng/g).INF—γ production was significantly higher than other groups and IL-4 was significantly lower than other groups.Conclusions:The results obtained indicate the effectiveness of IL-22 and its effect on IL-12 in protection of cutaneous leishmaniasis.