Effect of T-lymphocyte suppression on the parasite burden in Leishmania major-infected, genetically susceptible BALB/c mice

Treatment of Leishmania major-infected, genetically susceptible BALB/c mice with the T-lymphocyte-immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CyA) resulted in a significantly reduced parasite burden in the local site of infection and in the draining lymph nodes. These data indicate that T cells are pivotal for the propagation of L. major in vivo.