immunization with kmp11-ntgp96-gfp fusion of <i>leishmania major</i> induced th1 platform immune response in susceptible balb/c mice

Background]leishmaniasis has been known as an endemic disease since ancient times in iran. cellmediated immunity plays a decisive role in leishmaniasis. a promising vaccine against <i>leishmania</i> could stimulate the th1 immune response.[objectives]in the present study, the cellular immunogenicity of the pegfpn1, pegfpkmp and kmp11ntgp96gfp fusion in induction of th1 platform immune response was evaluated in susceptible balb/c mice.[methods]recombinant plasmid construction of pegfpn1, pegfpkmp and kmp11ntgp96gfp fusion was prepared. the mice were assigned to four groups (each 15) and immunization was performed with three times (0, 21 and 42 days) with pbs, pegfpn1, pegfpkmp and pegfpkmpgp96 (fusion), subcutaneously via footpad. cytokines assay was performed a day before and seven weeks following immunization.[results]according to the results, the level of cytokines interferongamma (ifnγ) and interleukin (il)4, and ratio of ifnγ /il4 was changed among different groups of mice before and seven weeks after immunization. the cytokines were increased significantly in the groups that received pegfpkmp and pegfpkmpgp96 (fusion) compared to pbs and pegfpn1 groups (p lt; 0.05).[conclusions]in conclusion, pegfpkmpgp96 (fusion) induced th1 platform immune response against <i>leishmania major</i> (mrho/ir/75/er) infection.