UCP2KO mice display enhanced resistance to CL.

<p>UCP2KO and WT C57BL/6 mice were challenged subcutaneously with 5×10³<i>L. major</i> metacyclic promastigotes and the course of infection was evaluated. A. Mean diameter of induration (± S.D) in the footpad at various times after infection. B. Mean number of parasites per popliteal DLN (± S.D) at 4 and 12 weeks after infection. C. Mean number of parasites per spleen (± S.D) at 4 and 12 weeks after infection. D–E. Competition between arginase and iNOS (nitrite levels) enzymes in DLNs was assessed at 4 and 12 weeks after <i>L. major</i> infection. Single cell suspensions of DLNs from euthanized mice were cultured for 72 h in the presence of SLA-pulsed DCs. Arginase activity was measured in cell lysates and nitrite levels were measured in the culture supernatants. F. Anti-SLA antibody (IgG1 and IgG2a) titers in sera from WT and UCP2KO mice at 4 and 12 weeks after infection. Data are presented as mean ± S.D. (n = 6). N.D., parasites not detected. Asterisks indicate <i>P</i><0.05 with respect to WT mice.