Modeling Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Insights into M1/M2 Macrophage Dynamics Using the Universal Immune System Simulator.

The study used the Universal Immune System Simulator (UISS) to create a virtual model of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a disease caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted through sandfly bites. CL can manifest in various forms, impacting millions of people globally. Current treatments face challenges, including toxicity and a lack of preventive vaccines. Researchers explored the immune response intricacies in CL, focusing on the balance between M1 and M2 macrophages, which significantly affect disease outcomes. The UISS accurately simulated the immune response, representing interactions between digital patients and Leishmania parasites. The simulation represented a scenario where the importance of M2 macrophages and Th2 cells in CL immunopathology is emphasized. These findings demonstrate UISS's potential in understanding complex host-pathogen interactions, paving the way for targeted therapies and innovative treatments in leishmaniasis.