Figure 1.

A simplified schematic view of monocyte plasticity as a therapeutic target in Leishmania infection. BMDMS and inflammatory monocytes develop into M1, intermediate (not represented) or M2 macrophages depending on environmental stimuli, such as cytokines (IFN-γ or IL-4) and microbial (LPS) or parasite products. L. braziliensis (LB) and L. major (LM) parasites might differ in their ability to provide stimulus for monocyte activation and differentiation into M1 or M2 macrophages. Potential therapeutic tools, such as RANKL and ATRA have opposing effects on functional phenotypes, by inducing M1 or M2 macrophages, which express a distinct set of skills and play a key role in infection, inflammatory disease, and tissue repair.